Tributes have been paid following the death of Eoin McMahon, a member of Belfast folk group Barnbrack.
The west Belfast man, one of the three that made up Barnbrack, was often referred to as the mayor of Dermott Hill in the upper Springfield area of the city.
Eoin, along with Jimmy McPeake and Alex Quinn, found fame as Barnbrack, who released their first single in 1983, a story about roundabout man, Mickey Marley. It was written by Seamus Robinson.
At the time, and following the release of the band’s first album ‘Irish Pub Sing-a-Long’, Eoin said: “I don’t think we would now fit on the roundabout. People called us the heavyweights because between us we weigh about 46 stone, but it always projects a happy image.
“We were delighted with the success of our first album, it meant that our bookings have increased. Long may it continue.”
The song, Belfast, was the band’s big hit.
“The place that lingers in my mind is the town I’ve left behind,” the song reads.
“I’ve been away now for too many years, I’ve read all the papers they’ve told me of your tears.
“Though I’ve left you with a heart that’s been torn, I’m coming home now to the place I was born.”
His family said he passed away peacefully on December 27. He was the dearly beloved husband of Liz and loving father of Eilíse and Martin.
He was the much loved father-in-law to Nicola and Adrian and devoted grandfather to Erin, Eimear, Eve, Emily and Clara.
Eoin is also fondly remembered and missed by his fellow band members Alex and Jimmy.
Sinn Féin councillor Micheal Donnelly on Friday said he was a “legend of a singer who was known the length and breath of this country and beyond”.
“The community of west Belfast, but especially the upper Springfield, will be devastated at the news of Eoins death,” Mr Donnelly added. “Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Tributes were also paid on social media with Eoin remembered as “the voice of Dermott Hill and Barnbrack” and “a true gentleman” who would be fondly remembered.
“Eoin had such a beautiful voice, and oh how he and Barnbrack brought such joy to Belfast and beyond especially during the very dark days of the Troubles,” wrote Sheila Clarke on Facebook.
