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Subject: RIP: Packie Manus Byrne From: doc.tom Date: 12 May 15 - 04:11 PM I am sad to let you know that the extraordinary Packie Manus Byrne - singer, musician, storyteller, dancer, song-writer, actor, author and creator of The Pandemonium amongst his many talents, died peacefully at the hospital in Killybegs this afternoon (12 May) at the age of 98. An inspirational man. RIP Packie. You have left many friends who grieve at your passing. |
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Subject: RE: RIP: Packie Manus Byrne From: RTim Date: 12 May 15 - 04:17 PM A sad day - Packie was a one and only - Funny, Talented and great to be around. RIP. Tim Radford |
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Subject: RE: RIP: Packie Manus Byrne From: Herga Kitty Date: 12 May 15 - 04:19 PM I was glad to see that Packie was still managing the occasional song until quite recently - he'll be much missed! Kitty |
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Subject: RE: RIP: Packie Manus Byrne From: Steve Gardham Date: 12 May 15 - 04:22 PM What a man! What a life! Absolute respect. Utter humility and great talent very rarely go hand in hand but in Packie they surely did. |
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Subject: RE: RIP: Packie Manus Byrne From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 12 May 15 - 04:29 PM I was just coming to post an obit - Packie's nephew phoned me. Here's the notice, since I've written it: PACKIE MANUS BYRNE R. I. P. It is with the greatest sorrow that I have to tell you all that Packie Manus slipped away from us this evening at about half six (Greenwich time). He went peacefully, and I know in his last days, life had become a burden to him because he could no longer see or hear to any great extent, nor move about. He told me often that his time in the folk scene were the best days of his life, and I need to pass this along to everyone who knew him, and who helped this to be so. The removal is this evening, and the wake will be held in his little house in Drumaghy Park (No. 12). The funeral is on Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the Catholic church in Ardara (County Donegal), with interment to follow in the family plot at the church in Bruckless. I'm sorry for the starkness of these words, and - even though I have been expecting this - it's still a shock. I'll try to write more later, and if any of you can manage to get to the funeral, we'll see you there. Dear, dear Packie - Rest In Peace Bonnie |
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Subject: Obit: RIP Packie Byrne From: GUEST,Dave Hunt Date: 12 May 15 - 04:32 PM Julie McNamara and I would like to let you all know that the miracle who was Packie Manus Byrne passed away peacefully this afternoon in Killybeggs hospital aged 98. A life to be celebrated. We are planning to have a special celebration here in the uk for all who cannot get to Ardara for the funeral. But now is our time to grieve for the loss of a very very special man. Goodbye Packie , sleep well xxxxxxx Dave Hunt |
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Subject: RE: RIP: Packie Manus Byrne From: GUEST,Dave Hunt Date: 12 May 15 - 04:42 PM Sorry for the double posting! When we were over in Ardara for his 95th B'day he was in fine form......and it concluded by him saying ..'Well now..there'll be another party in five years time' ... sadly he didn't quite make it. I've known him since 1965 and ALWAYS enjoyed the company of a wonderful singer and whistle player, who bought such joy to so many along the way. A real gentleman...Sad loss to us all. Dave Hunt |
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Subject: RE: RIP: Packie Manus Byrne From: Dave Sutherland Date: 12 May 15 - 05:02 PM So sorry to hear this; a unique character, a unique talent and a wonderful performer. The folk world is poorer for his departing. RIP. |
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Subject: RE: RIP: Packie Manus Byrne From: GUEST,Little Robyn Date: 12 May 15 - 05:11 PM RIP Packie. One of my favourite Folkies. Robyn |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Joe Offer Date: 12 May 15 - 05:17 PM Here's what appears to be the official Website for Packie Manus Byrne:The Website has a link that tells where to find "Packie's stuff," but it says that his two books are out of print. An e-book was planned for 2014, it says. And a collection of his songs at the Irish Traditional Music Archive: |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Anne Lister Date: 12 May 15 - 06:15 PM Dave, please keep me informed of any celebration of Packie's life here in the UK - I would really like to be involved. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Bonnie Shaljean Date: 12 May 15 - 06:23 PM I think Anne Lennox-Martin wants to try to plan something, tho there are no details yet. Hugs... B x |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Malcolm Storey Date: 12 May 15 - 07:40 PM What a man! I recall lamenting to him that because Irish funerals tend to happen quickly that it could be difficult for those of us on the other side of the Irish sea to pay our respects in person. Packie's response was "Well if it will make you feel better Malcolm, if you don't get to my funeral I promise not to come to yours." |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Leadfingers Date: 12 May 15 - 10:45 PM Just seen this as I was on my way to bed - Now its one more Tullamore for Packie ! R I P Mister Byrne - DEFINATELY One of the Good Guys ! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: MGM·Lion Date: 13 May 15 - 12:06 AM One of the most friendly, charming and altogether delightful people it has ever been my privilege to meet. Haven't seen him for many years but am grief-stricken at his loss. Adieu, Packie. ≈Michael≈ |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: olddude Date: 13 May 15 - 12:48 AM What country was he from |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Dick Goddard Date: 13 May 15 - 01:34 AM Packie was indeed a lovely man and one with whom I spent happy hours in the way back when. His songs and singing were great, his playing - serious and not - was great, his stories were great, but most of all he was just someone it was great to be around. Thank God for the good ones. Goodbye old friend. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: MBSLynne Date: 13 May 15 - 02:52 AM I'm sad to hear this. I've always had a special place in my heart for Packie. He was a lovely man with an amazing sense of humour. Can't get to the funeral. I'd like to hear about any gathering over here but as it will probably be in the south of the country as they mostly seem to be I'm unlikely to be able to make that either. Still, you never know. Love Lynne |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: MGM·Lion Date: 13 May 15 - 03:43 AM He was an Irishman, Dan ≈M≈ |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST Date: 13 May 15 - 04:17 AM When I saw him again two years ago he opened his own front door to me and we spent a blissful afternoon as he recalled old times. A lovely man with a huge personality a rare talent and a great heart. Rest in peace Packie! |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler Date: 13 May 15 - 04:21 AM He had the gift of spreading cheer to everyone in his presence. RIP. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: nickp Date: 13 May 15 - 04:35 AM What a shame. He was a real character and I'm pleased to have met him. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Andymac Date: 13 May 15 - 04:51 AM So sorry to hear this news. I remember seeing him at the Innishowen weekend a few years ago and he charmed absolutely everyone whom he met. A most remarkable man. RIP Packie |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST Date: 13 May 15 - 05:04 AM Paddy McEvoy Cherished memories of Packie Manus Byrne: The Bard of Ardara The lives of all those who knew him were enriched by this Gentle Man |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Richard Mellish Date: 13 May 15 - 05:31 AM Sorry to hear that Packie's time came at last, but happy that he kept going longer than most of us will, and grateful for all that he gave us. If he's gone on to another existence, how lucky for the others there. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Mike Yates Date: 13 May 15 - 05:45 AM Have just seen this. I spent a lot of time with Packie when he was living in England and found him a wonderful man. I have said before that his Topic album "Songs of a Donegal Man" was the best album that I ever worked on...and I still think that this is true. He was a marvellous singer and whistle player...and he had a great sense of humour. I recall the late Stanley Robertson falling about as he retold one of Packie's bawdier jokes! Packie enriched all our lives and we are all the better for having known him. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Ross Campbell Date: 13 May 15 - 06:26 AM I was just talking about Packie the other day, A lovely man, and what a life he had! RIP Packie. Ross |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Peter Laban Date: 13 May 15 - 06:58 AM Death Notice - Funeral details |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Vic Smith Date: 13 May 15 - 07:11 AM One of the most admirable singers, performers and people that I ever met. The world is a poorer place without him. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: RoyH (Burl) Date: 13 May 15 - 07:47 AM Packie was definitely 'a man you don't meet every day' After meeting him for the first time I thought 'There's a man who has the secret of life'. Goodbye old friend, and than k you for being you. Roy. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: billybob Date: 13 May 15 - 09:01 AM RIP Packie, a delightful man who will be greatly missed Wendy |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,John Moulden Date: 13 May 15 - 10:17 AM I believe I am the sole survivor of the occasion in 1964 when he first made the acquaintance of the folk movement and it of him. He has been a constant in my mind and an inspiration ever since. I wrote a piece for Living Tradition for his 80th birthday - John Moulden . He will be greatly missed but his legacy is available to all of us, recordings of songs, stories and tunes, and books. They should be read, told, sung and played in his memory. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Nick Dow Date: 13 May 15 - 10:59 AM Sad news. Packie came up to stay with us a few times. We'll miss him Nick and Mally |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,John Goodluck Date: 13 May 15 - 12:11 PM Packie was a great musician and will be missed on this earth. We are all getting old and the road is always rising up to meet us.Keep playing his wonderful music and he will never die. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Worcesterman Date: 13 May 15 - 12:18 PM I first encountered Packie (and Bonnie) in 1978 at Bromyard Folk Festival, where they were regulars for many years. Great stories, great music, and now greatly missed. (by many), I am sure. God Bless. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Vic Smith Date: 13 May 15 - 01:45 PM Obituary from The Guardian website by Derek Schofield. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: olddude Date: 13 May 15 - 02:17 PM He sounds like he was a wonderful man it is always sad to hear about losing a good one mydeepest ssympathy for his family and friends |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST Date: 13 May 15 - 04:45 PM First saw and heard Packie play at, if memory serves, on stage with the Spinners at the Manchester Free Trade Hall many years ago. Inspired me to go out and buy my first tin whistle. Amazing player. RIP |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,John from "Elsie`s Band" Date: 13 May 15 - 05:03 PM On behalf of the band, I send our condolences to Packie`s family. We had not seen Packie this many a year but he is still fondly remembered. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Ron darnbrough Date: 13 May 15 - 06:31 PM What a loss to us all. Packie was a special man and could entertain all day long. His stories were wonderful. He came to Mick Heywoods folk club at TheVic Batley several times and I met him at quite a few festivals along the way. RIP Packie. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Sarah the flute Date: 14 May 15 - 04:58 AM How sad. He certainly was a real character - my main memory of him is playing two whistles at the same time using a shower hose! He will be remembered with fondness by many of us. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Learaí na Láibe Date: 14 May 15 - 08:05 AM Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. R.I.P. My condolences Bonnie. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Mick Tems Date: 14 May 15 - 09:30 AM Packie and Bonnie stayed at our cottage after a scintillating and inspiring Llantrisant Folk Club night, and this was the beginning of a mutual friendship. A little-known fact, forgotten with the passing years, is that Packie was awarded the honour of being the Club's Life President! Packie was a wonderful, gentle man who will be loved and respected for what he was. Big hugs and deepest sympathies to you, Bonnie. Mick Tems (Another life president of Llantrisant Folk Club.) |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Waddon Pete Date: 14 May 15 - 10:00 AM I can only wholeheartedly agree with everyone's comments and memories. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread. My condolences to all who know and love him. RIP Peter |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: Anne Lister Date: 14 May 15 - 06:18 PM I met Packie in around 1975. I was sharing a house with Bonnie Shaljean and some others at that time. I was proud to call him my friend then and since then, and have always loved him for his warmth, generosity of spirit, humour and love of life. I can't believe he's gone. The last time I saw him was at the party in Ardara organised for his 90th birthday. It had been a while since I'd seen him, so I went up to wish him happy birthday and introduced myself to him in case he'd forgotten me over the years. "Ah, but who but yourself could it be?" he said, grinning ... and of course he was right! One other memory to add to the mix ...I remember spending a very silly evening with him and with Sean Cannon, eating at a Turkish restaurant and the three of us singing together after the food (this wasn't a gig - we were just singing) and for some reason it ended with the three of us collapsed in a totally un-sexual way in the room he was then living in. I think I promised never to mention it but I'm not quite sure why it was supposed to be a secret. I'm sure he's up there with the angels teaching them new tunes for their harps. RIP Packie Manus. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: DG&D Dave Date: 15 May 15 - 09:03 AM Fond memories of Packie, keeping us entertained with stories, in the Dove at Sidmouth during the 80s & early 90s. Not to mention his assistance in helping Fred Jordan home after a rather heavy session. Much loved, much missed. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Nick Dow Date: 15 May 15 - 05:35 PM My daughter Melissa wanted to add her words of condolence. She stayed with Packie and Bonnie in london when she was a teenager. She asked me to pass on her condolences for her,her name is now Bray not Dow and she felt that nobody would know her here on Mudcat. |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: BanjoRay Date: 15 May 15 - 08:52 PM A wee example of Packie's lovely voice |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST,Guest Strad Date: 16 May 15 - 04:30 AM Sad to hear the news but happy to be one of the many people whose life has been lightened by this wonderful man. RIP Packie |
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Subject: RE: Obit: Packie Manus Byrne (1917-2015) From: GUEST Date: 06 Feb 17 - 08:55 AM Hello friends, As Joe said above, Packie Manus's autobiography, Recollections of a Donegal Man, has been out of print for many years. This is to let you all know that I have (finally) prepared an eBook edition. You can get it from the Kobo bookstore - other outlets to follow shortly, Making print-on-demand copies available is also a possibility although it might be a while before I get around to that. More info. about the book and extracts here: http://www.rogermillington.com/recollections.html You can also preview a chunk of the book (too much of it my introduction) at the Kobo bookstore. https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/recollections-of-a-donegal-man Just in time for Packie's centenary on 18 February 2017. (In fact that is what gave me the kick up the backside I needed to prepare the eBook edition.) There is a celebration weekend in Ardara, 17-19 February. Which I regret to say I cannot attend. I hope you can see this facebook page about it: https://www.facebook.com/events/232372307189138/ Cheers, Steve |
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