Tributes paid following the death of County Derry 'musical legend'

Tributes have been paid to a renowned musician from County Derry, who passed away following a long battle with illness.

Maurice Bradley, a talented fiddler and uilleann piper from Ballinascreen, died peacefully at his Sixtowns home on Thursday (May 8).

A death notice stated that Mr Bradley was the ‘dearly beloved brother of Roger, Maura (McRory),  Geraldine, Ken, Helen (Roberts), Joan (Darragh) Peggy (Mercer) and Stella (O’Neill)’.

Mr Bradley’s funeral will take place tomorrow, Saturday, May 10 at 2.30pm in St. Patrick’s Church, Sixtowns.

The death notice stated: “Family flowers only. Please send any donations to Marie Curie Nurses.”

The organisers of Belfast TradFest event, where Mr Bradley had played over the years, have paid tribute to the south Derry man.

“It is with great sadness that we at Belfast TradFest mark the passing of Maurice Bradley, a talented fiddler and uilleann piper from Baile na Scríne, County Derry and a cherished member of our community.  Maurice was a regular attendee, bringing his warmth, charm, humour and wonderful music to the festival.

“We fondly remember him playing last year and we are grateful to have captured some special moments of him in action in the Duke of York.  Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Fellow musician Ciaran Kelly said he was ‘devastated’ to learn of the death of a ‘great friend’.

“Maurice has been my friend and musical inspiration for 45 years, and I will miss him terribly,” he said. 

“He hated being the centre of attention but in spite of his short stature, he was truly a giant among musicians.

“Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.”

St Mary’s Primary School, Draperstown added: “The school community of St Mary's PS Draperstown is very sad to hear of the death of Maurice Bradley, esteemed musician and friend of our school. We offer sincere sympathy to Maurice’s family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

Other online tributes described Mr Bradley as ‘a quiet man and a musical legend’ and ‘a very knowledgeable and interesting person to talk to’.