Tributes paid to an all time great, Pat Lynch

WARM tributes have been paid to Cork showband legend Pat Lynch, who has been described as “one of the all-time greats.”

Musicians and fans of the showband era have been fondly remembering the Blackpool native who sang with the famous Airchords band and had a solo No 1 song with the famous When We Were Young.

Mr Lynch, aged 84, passed away at Marymount Hospice last Friday after a short illness.

He had a succession of memorable hits in the late 1950s and early ’60s.

Pat’s eldest son Alan remembered how his father was a proud Blackpool man who loved to entertain, even as a small boy.

He said his father started entertaining locally when he was just six years old.

He went on to sing in the Palm Court on Oliver Plunkett Street before his big break came when he was asked to become lead singer with Airchords — the biggest band in Ireland at the time.

“Later dad formed his own band, Pat Lynch and The Airchords. They were very successful and had a few number ones.

“After they broke up, he recorded the solo record When We Were Young, which spent six weeks at Number One. It used to be played all the time at Cork Hibs matches. It was his signature tune and literally changed his life,” Alan said.

A welder by profession, Pat later took up teaching it at the Cork Regional College (now CIT). He was a very active sportsman who raised a considerable amount for local charities.

A number of musicians and personalities from the showband era have paid tribute to Pat.

Stephen Travers, a survivor of the Miami Showband massacre, posted a message on social media, saying: “Showband fans and colleagues are in mourning at the death of our dear friend, Pat Lynch. We have lost one of the all-time greats.”

Radio and television presenter George Jones, who rose to prominence during the showband era, also wrote on social media: “So sorry to hear of the passing of my dear friend Pat Lynch... One of Ireland’s great showband stars... and an absolute gentleman... Another legend gone.”

Pat Lynch’s remains will lay in response today at Jerh O’Connor & Sons Ltd, Temple Hill, Boreenmanna Road, from 5pm to 7pm. Mr Lynch’s requiem Mass will take place at noon tomorrow at the North Cathedral.