Derrick Mehaffey was one of the biggest names on the vibrant showband scene in Ireland in the 1960s and ‘70s.
Dubbed Ireland’s Cliff Richard, he had the looks and the singing voice to match and performed to packed ballrooms throughout the country and on tour in Europe and North America, as well as appearing regularly on TV.
Derrick was from Fintona in Co Tyrone, where his parents had an electrical shop where he would help out and which he would later run, selling many televisions himself in the local community.
He met the friends who would become his bandmates in Derrick and the Sounds at school at Omagh Academy.
Their first single, Power of Love, reached the top 10 in Ireland in 1968 and they gathered a huge following as they went on to enjoy many more hits.
A talented keyboard player, with a versatile and deeply melodic baritone voice, Derrick was comfortable in any style of music, from pop, to country and gospel.
He would also front other showbands in the form of The Royal, The Conquerors and The Paddy Cole Band in the 1970s.
He was named male vocalist of the year at the 1999 European Country Music Awards, and spent time living and performing in Canada.
Co Tyrone country music legend Philomena Begley sang with him on several occasions and described him as a “pure gentleman” who would be deeply missed.
“He was a very nice person, a fine-looking man and a fantastic singer – he just had it all,” she said.
“He was up there with the top performers in the day but he was also very down to earth. He enjoyed a bit of craic and his feet were firmly on the ground.”
Daniel O’Donnell also described him as a “true gentleman” as he expressed sympathies before a service at Donacavey Church of Ireland church in Fintona on Wednesday.
Canon John Woods led prayers at the graveside as family and friends said a final farewell to the singer.
Derrick Mehaffey died suddenly in hospital on Monday at the age of 78.
He is survived by his wife Shirley and family circle.