Warm tributes paid to the “heartbeat of music” in Birr

Described as “the heartbeat of music in Birr” the passing of the legendary Gerry Dolan this week was greeted with deep sadness by the entire community which he served so diligently and passionately over many decades.

Mr. Dolan, who was perhaps best known as the long-serving Choirmaster at St. Brendan's Church in Birr, passed away peacefully on Thursday last, December 28, at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore, having dedicated his entire life to music.

Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Bridget, brother Joseph and nephew Robert, he is sadly missed by his brothers, Brendan and Gabriel, sister Mary, sister in law, Mary, relatives and many friends.

A native of Wilmer Road, Gerry Dolan's name has been synonymous with music in Birr for generations, and he was generous to a fault with both his time and his talents. As well as being Choirmaster in St. Brendan's Church, he was also an integral part of Birr Stage Guild over many years and entertained countless audiences with both his great wit and talent on stage where he played many roles.

Many tributes have been paid to the memory of Gerry Dolan since news of his death emerged in Birr earlier this week, with the members of the Lusmagh Choir outlining how he “gave of his time tirelessly to all choirs in the locality and we were one of those who benefitted from his expertise.” The choir said it was “an honour” to have him coach them for a period and they expressed the wish that their former mentor has “joined the choir of angels in Heaven.”

Blessed with a great sense of humour, which shone through in the many roles he played with the Birr Stage Guild, and with a deep devotion to the Church and to liturgical music, the passing of Gerry Dolan has left a deep void in the life of the local community.

The late Gerry Dolan will be laid to rest in Clonoghill Cemetery in Birr tomorrow (Sunday, December 31) following Funeral Mass in St. Brendan's Church at 12 noon.