Country singer Derrick Mehaffey laid to rest in Co Tyrone
The singer and keyboard player made his name in the showband scene of the 1960s and 70s.
Country singer Derrick Mehaffey has been laid to rest in Co Tyrone.
The popular entertainer died suddenly in hospital on Monday at the age of 78.
Mourners gathered in rain at the graveyard outside Donacavey Church of Ireland church in Fintona for a committal service on Wednesday afternoon.
Mehaffey, a Fintona native, made his name in the Irish showband scene of the 1960s and at a time was dubbed Ireland’s Cliff Richard.
The talented keyboard player was lead singer for the band Derrick and the Sounds – a band Mehaffey originally formed with school friends from Omagh Academy.
Daniel O’Donnell described Mehaffey as a “true gentleman” as he expressed sympathies before Wednesday’s service.
“My deepest sympathy to his wife Shirley and his extended family at this sad time. May he rest in peace,” he said.
