Tributes paid to ‘kind, talented’ Cork DJ who died at North Cork music festival

Tributes have been paid following the death of a prominent Cork DJ, Mark ‘Beanzy’ O’Brien, who died at a festival over the weekend.

Mr O’Brien, who was aged in his 30s, was pronounced dead on Sunday morning after he was discovered unresponsive in his tent at Love is a Stranger.

The festival was the second edition of Another Love Story’s roaming mini-festival series, and took place on the grounds of Ballyvolane House at Castlelyons.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene shortly after 11.30am. It is understood that first responders performed CPR on Mr O’Brien for a short period of time before he was pronounced dead.

Mr O’Brien has been described as a well-known and respected member of the electronic music scene in Cork.

Will be sadly missed

Speaking to The Echo, Cork DJ and radio presenter Stevie Grainger, also known as Stevie G, said Mr O’Brien’s death will be felt by all members of the music industry on Leeside.

“He was a well-known and popular DJ in Cork. He was known around the scene, and will be sadly missed by the community,” said Mr Grainger.

Fellow electronic music DJ, Eddie ‘TR One’ said he will “never ever” forget Mr O’Brien.

“While I struggle to keep the tears in — waiting for the numbness to slowly subside — I’m aiming to remember the good times, the kindness you showed me, and the light you brought into my life,” he said.

“You were always there for me and me for you.

“A best friend with a brotherly bond — one we forged through music and one that I will continue for you. Let’s still obsess over our favourite records in this life and the next.

“I just played one of your recommendations at a gig on Sunday only just before hearing the devastating news.

“Our community will grow stronger because of you. I will never ever forget you.”

Gone too soon

Fellow Cork musician and member of The Love Buzz, Aidan Lynch, said Mr O’Brien would “listen to and help anyone in need”.

“He was one of the kindest and friendliest people you could meet.

“He is gone too soon.”

Another friend of the deceased, who has asked to remain anonymous, said Mr O’Brien was “a talented DJ who truly loved music”.

“He was also a really decent guy, kind, funny, and great company. Cork’s — and Ireland’s — electronic music scene will be much poorer due to his loss.”

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed that the coroner has been notified of the death, and that a postmortem examination is being arranged.

“There are no further details available,” the Garda spokesperson said yesterday.

Funeral details have yet to be announced.