Andy Conroy lived to 88, and was an uilleann piping bricklayer who took up karate in his 80s, to fend off muggers, natch.
I'm leaving out a few details, though.

"Andy Conroy, Master piper, composer, former flute and whistle player, bricklayer (retired), musical, local and social historian, commentator, wrestler, boxer, weight lifter and Karate practitioner, is unquestionably an outstanding contributor to the social and cultural life of this country."

Very witty too. Here is an example of his inimitable playing of the reel Boys of Ballisodare.
RIP. Apt that I came across this thread on St. Patrick's Day.