There was deep shock in Mayo last weekend after the death of the talented young musician Conor Walsh. The pianist and composer passed away last Friday night, March 11, at his family home in Ballinisland, Toomore, Foxford after he took ill.
His work had featured as part of the soundtrack on a number of short films as well as number of television documentaries. He released his debut EP The Front last year and had had preformed at a number of big ticket events including Electric Picnic. He also appeared on RTÉ's seminal music television show Other Voices and TG4's Ceol Ar An Imeall.
Many tributes were paid to Conor Walsh over the past week from numerous music industry individuals. A statement released on behalf of his family earlier this week said: "Conor treated each performance the same way he treated each and every individual with whom he shared company. He never failed to conjure the highest emotion from a melody just as he never but drew the brightest light from all who met him. The absolute dedication, insatiable energy and infallible passion he committed to his music was mirrored in the attention and engagement he gifted to the conversations of those he shared memorable times with, whether on stage in Ballinalough, on the streets of Swinford or, at home in Ballinisland.
"Conor was a talented musician, a tireless conversationalist with an intelligent and informed mind, a skilled fisherman, an amazingly caring brother, son and friend, and most of all, a gentleman to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. Conor's imprint on music will continue to flow long past his time, and the impression he left on all who knew him is sure to linger in minds and hearts as distinctly as the echo of the notes he leaves behind him. We will all miss Conor dearly, as we try to come to terms with losing a talented artist and an outstanding friend who still had so much to offer."
Conor Walsh was laid to rest after funeral Mass in Swinford Church on Tuesday afternoon.
