
‘His talent touched hearts' – Heartbreaking tributes paid to young musician, 14, who died following short illness
'PROFOUND LOSS' 'His talent touched hearts' – Heartbreaking tributes paid to young musician, 14, who died following short illness
HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a talented young musician who was remembered as a "star" with an exceptional talent.
Paddy Rooney, 14, passed away on Thursday died following a 'short illness'.
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Paddy Rooney passed away following a short illness.
Credit: rip.ie
The talented teen, from Leitrim, had appeared in the All Ireland Fleadh in 2023 and 2024, aired on TG4.
Paddy was crowned the winner of All Irelands at Fleadh Ceoil na h-Eireann in 2024 along with his brother Joe and his Ceili Band.
The drummer and banjo player was remembered as an ' exceptionally talented young man' who had a true 'gift for music'.
Lennon-Mc Loughlin School of Irish Dance said they were 'deeply saddened' to hear of the passing of Paddy.
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They said: 'Paddy was an exceptionally talented young man who will be greatly missed by all.'
Leitrim CCÉ remembered Paddy as a 'talented young musician and a lovely young man' who left the world 'too soon'.
They said: 'Paddy's gift for music, his passion, and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten.
'His talent touched hearts not only in his local community but across the traditional music world.'
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Comhaltas An Droma Mhóir- Dromore Comhaltas shared: 'We are heartbroken to share the passing of our special friend and talented young musician, Paddy Rooney.
'Paddy will be remembered not only for his remarkable musical gift, but for the ever-present smile he carried with him, a bright light in every room, every stage, every competition, and every session.
'Paddy was the heart and soul of many of our groups and bands over the years.
"His talent, his kindness, and that infectious smile touched the lives of both young and old. Through his music, he made friends in every corner of Ireland.'
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'A STAR'
The group extended their sympathy to his family and the entire musical community who now mourn this 'profound loss'.
They added: 'May his music and memory continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him. And may he rest in eternal peace.'
Comhaltas Phil Rooney Branch said he was a 'wee character' and a born 'star'.
They said: 'We are all devastated by the news of Paddy's passing.
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"Coming during Fleadh week, a time he loved so dearly, playing and competing with distinction as a multi All-Ireland winner.
'For those fortunate enough to know him, he was a star that shone brightly, a wee character with a glint of devilment in his eye, a gifted musician, and a friend to many.
'His warmth, humour, and talent touched countless lives, and he will be forever missed.'
Glencar Manorhamilton GAA Club said a cloud of "devastation, grief and loss" has hit the community and "shook Manorhamilton to its core".
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They said: "Everybody loved Paddy, his warmth of character, his effervescent personality, his array of talents in education, music and sport, his leadership qualities and his sense of responsibility meant he had so much more to give - what a shock to lose someone of his calibre, a devastating blow to his family and community."
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Paddy was also a talented Irish dancer
Credit: Lennon-Mc Loughlin School of Irish Dance
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Extra.ie
a day ago
- Extra.ie
Tributes paid to teen musician who died after short illness
Leitrim teenager Paddy Rooney recently passed away at the age of 14 following a 'short illness'. Paddy was a gifted young musician who touched the lives of many people with his talent. Tributes have been pouring in for Paddy since he sadly passed away on Tuesday, August 5th. Paddy passed away at the age of 14. Pic: He was the son of Mairéad and Michael and a brother to Annie and Joe. Paddy had appeared in the All Ireland Fleadh in 2023 and 2024, aired on TG4. He was crowned the winner of the All Ireland at Fleadh Ceoil na h-Éireann in 2024 along with his brother Joe and his Céilí Band. The drummer and banjo player is remembered as an 'exceptionally talented young man' who had a true 'gift for music'. Lennon-Mc Loughlin School of Irish Dance said they were 'deeply saddened' to hear of Paddy's death. They said: 'Paddy was an exceptionally talented young man who will be greatly missed by all.' In a tribute posted online, Leitrim CCÉ said: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Paddy Rooney, a talented young musician and a lovely young man, who left us all too soon in his 14th year after a short illness. 'Paddy's gift for music, his passion, and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten. 'His talent touched hearts not only in his local community but across the traditional music world. 'Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mairead, Michael, Annie and Joe and his extended family, friends, and the entire musical community mourning this profound loss. 'May his music and memory live on in the hearts of all who loved him, and may he rest in eternal peace.' Paddy was a gifted young musician. Pic: Leitrim CCÉ Glenfarne CCÉ remarked that Paddy was a 'treasured member' and a well known All Ireland champion on the banjo. They stated: 'Sending our deepest sympathies to Michael, Mairéad, Annie and Joe Rooney on the sad passing of their darling son and brother Paddy. 'We extend our heartfelt condolences to all members of the Rooney family circle. 'Know that you are in all our thoughts and prayers over the days and weeks ahead. 'We were blessed with his performances at all our concerts and local events – including our culture night in September last year. 'We must take time to pay a special tribute to Paddy, who fought his illness all the way, so courageously, supported by his loving family. 'Unfortunately, God called Paddy home – much earlier than expected. We are heartbroken at your loss. 'Paddy, thanks for the wonderful memories. 'We will never forget your kindness, and your gift of music – so generously shared with us all. You will remain in our hearts forever. Your suffering is over now. 'May you Rest In Peace.' Comhaltas An Droma Mhóir- Dromore Comhaltas added that they are heartbroken following the death of a 'special friend' and 'talented young musician.' They continued: 'Paddy will be remembered not only for his remarkable musical gift, but for the ever-present smile he carried with him, a bright light in every room, every stage, every competition, and every session. 'Paddy was the heart and soul of many of our groups and bands over the years. 'His talent, his kindness, and that infectious smile touched the lives of both young and old. Through his music, he made friends in every corner of Ireland. 'Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mairéad, Michael, Annie, Joe, and to his extended family, friends, and the entire musical community who now mourn this profound loss. 'May his music and memory continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him.' CCÉ Phil Rooney Branch said Paddy was a 'wee character' and a 'star'. They explained: 'We are all devastated by the news of Paddy's passing. 'Coming during Fleadh week, a time he loved so dearly, playing and competing with distinction as a multi All-Ireland winner. 'For those fortunate enough to know him, he was a star that shone brightly, a wee character with a glint of devilment in his eye, a gifted musician, and a friend to many. 'His warmth, humour, and talent touched countless lives, and he will be forever missed.' Glencar Manorhamilton GAA Club added that a cloud of 'devastation, grief and loss' has hit the community and 'shook Manorhamilton to its core'. Paddy is survived by his parents Mairéad and Michael, sister Annie and brother Joe, his godparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and his many friends.


The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘His talent touched hearts' – Heartbreaking tributes paid to young musician, 14, who died following short illness
The Leitrim teen had appeared in the All Ireland Fleadh in 2023 and 2024 'PROFOUND LOSS' 'His talent touched hearts' – Heartbreaking tributes paid to young musician, 14, who died following short illness HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a talented young musician who was remembered as a "star" with an exceptional talent. Paddy Rooney, 14, passed away on Thursday died following a 'short illness'. Advertisement 3 Paddy Rooney passed away following a short illness. Credit: The talented teen, from Leitrim, had appeared in the All Ireland Fleadh in 2023 and 2024, aired on TG4. Paddy was crowned the winner of All Irelands at Fleadh Ceoil na h-Eireann in 2024 along with his brother Joe and his Ceili Band. The drummer and banjo player was remembered as an ' exceptionally talented young man' who had a true 'gift for music'. Lennon-Mc Loughlin School of Irish Dance said they were 'deeply saddened' to hear of the passing of Paddy. Advertisement They said: 'Paddy was an exceptionally talented young man who will be greatly missed by all.' Leitrim CCÉ remembered Paddy as a 'talented young musician and a lovely young man' who left the world 'too soon'. They said: 'Paddy's gift for music, his passion, and the joy he brought to those around him will never be forgotten. 'His talent touched hearts not only in his local community but across the traditional music world.' Advertisement Comhaltas An Droma Mhóir- Dromore Comhaltas shared: 'We are heartbroken to share the passing of our special friend and talented young musician, Paddy Rooney. 'Paddy will be remembered not only for his remarkable musical gift, but for the ever-present smile he carried with him, a bright light in every room, every stage, every competition, and every session. 'Paddy was the heart and soul of many of our groups and bands over the years. "His talent, his kindness, and that infectious smile touched the lives of both young and old. Through his music, he made friends in every corner of Ireland.' Advertisement 'A STAR' The group extended their sympathy to his family and the entire musical community who now mourn this 'profound loss'. They added: 'May his music and memory continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him. And may he rest in eternal peace.' Comhaltas Phil Rooney Branch said he was a 'wee character' and a born 'star'. They said: 'We are all devastated by the news of Paddy's passing. Advertisement "Coming during Fleadh week, a time he loved so dearly, playing and competing with distinction as a multi All-Ireland winner. 'For those fortunate enough to know him, he was a star that shone brightly, a wee character with a glint of devilment in his eye, a gifted musician, and a friend to many. 'His warmth, humour, and talent touched countless lives, and he will be forever missed.' Glencar Manorhamilton GAA Club said a cloud of "devastation, grief and loss" has hit the community and "shook Manorhamilton to its core". Advertisement They said: "Everybody loved Paddy, his warmth of character, his effervescent personality, his array of talents in education, music and sport, his leadership qualities and his sense of responsibility meant he had so much more to give - what a shock to lose someone of his calibre, a devastating blow to his family and community." 3 Paddy was also a talented Irish dancer Credit: Lennon-Mc Loughlin School of Irish Dance


The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
I ended it with Paddy to find true self…that means I'm dating women, says Christine McGuinness as she speaks about split
AFTER being known as Paddy McGuinness's wife for 11 years, Christine is making big changes. Not just by leaving her famous husband — but by turning her back on men completely. 7 Christine McGuinness has been dating women after 'finding her true self' Credit: Channel4 7 Christine split from Paddy McGuinness in 2022 Credit: Getty The model, who is currently appearing on E4's Celebs Go Dating, revealed she has only been in relationships with women in the three years since the breakdown of their marriage. But she insists that, at the age of 37, it is less about satisfying previously unfulfilled desires and more about starting a new chapter with her own identity. Talking on Celebs Go Dating, which launched last night, Christine said: 'I feel like I'm a couple of steps away from being my new self and not 'Paddy's wife'. I'm coming out of the transition part. 'I am single and I absolutely do love women. I'd love to explore that more and I definitely see that's where I'm more comfortable.' She added: 'When I was a teenager, I dated men and women before I was married and now I'm really, really just enjoying spending time with women. 'For the last three years, I've only ever dated women. I was never heterosexual, I've never labelled myself anything other than Christine, to be honest.' Christine and Paddy, 51, married in 2011 and have three children together. She claims the Take Me Out and Top Gear presenter knew from the start of their relationship that she was attracted to women and did not take issue with it. 'It's my fault' Since announcing their shock split in July 2022, Christine has been romantically linked to singer Chelcee Grimes and model, rapper and DJ Roxxxan. Now, as part of Celebs Go Dating, she is opening up more than ever about her love life and how she perhaps wasn't as into men as it would have appeared. Christine McGuinness has taken a sly dig at ex-husband Paddy, claiming she now wants to date women so she can have 'a deeper connection.' On the show, during a dating masterclass with Too Hot To Handle hunk Louis Russell, she is challenged to use her body language to show she is interested in him. Christine is incredibly convincing, but says afterwards: 'I think it is a really good example of how I'm used to faking it.' Despite her confidence when it comes to flirting, Christine revealed some of the issues she has encountered with potential new partners. She said: 'I'm attracted to a masculine woman that's not trying to fit in and be like anyone else. 'I haven't dated an awful lot. I was married for a long time and it took me a while to even think about spending time with anyone. 'Luckily for me, the women I've spent time with over the last couple of years, I already knew them.' She added: 'The only thing I've struggled with is when I've really liked someone and they haven't got children and they want more. I just know that isn't for me. 'My time is actually very precious and valuable. If I am spending time with somebody, you should know you're important.' Christine also appeared to address rumours that Paddy had cheated during their marriage. She said: 'Anyone can make mistakes, but I think the trust was broken. 7 The star and 'tomboy' musician Roxxxan leaving Ibiza after holidaying together Credit: Splash 7 Christine dated Chelcee Grimes Credit: Instagram/chelceegrimes 'I'll always love him as the father of my children, I think he'll be the only man I'll ever love. A lot of people make mistakes and mess up, when you are a couple who is quite well known in the industry then obviously everyone knows your business. 'In some ways, I still carry that feeling of it's my fault because I ended it. 'We had an amazing 15 years, we really did. The last couple of years, I think things weren't quite the same. 'I think once the respect isn't quite there any more, it's time to leave. It was the hardest decision I've ever made in my life and it forever will be.' Christine revealed it was Paddy's comedic charm that won her over when they met during a turbulent time in her life. She said: 'He wasn't as known as he is now. I was 19 when I met him. I went to an event where I was modelling. 'My ex husband was there, someone introduced us and we had a laugh. We kept in touch. I did [fancy him], he had a cheeky charm, he made me laugh and I wasn't in the best place. 'I was struggling with a lot of things. I struggled a lot as a teenager, I didn't really know where I fitted or where I belonged. "When I met my ex-husband it was just perfect timing. 'He made me laugh so much, it was easy, it was an easy relationship.' Christine was diagnosed with ADHD and autism in her late thirties, shortly after their children, 12-year-old twins Penelope and Leo, and Felicity, eight, were diagnosed with autism. The developmental conditions have affected her social interactions throughout her life — and that goes for dating, too. She explained: 'Autism affects me a lot with socialising, it takes me a while to relax and be open to get to know someone. 'They think I'm odd' 'I struggle to read people, so I never really know whether I've made a good impression or not. The thought of going on a date scares me so much. 'I just have a couple of different corners to navigate before I'm OK. 7 Christine on a date with Leanne Grant Credit: Objective / Channel 4 'I just find it uncomfortable with someone I don't know.' On how she has to take special care to plan dates, Christine said: 'It's just sensory issues, so I struggle with too much texture. It could be the smell, if it's too busy somewhere. 'So I try to avoid restaurants unless I've been there before. 'I think people just think I'm a bit odd or that I have got an eating disorder of some sort. 'It's that first bit of feeling different, but I want someone who accepts all of that, and is OK with that.' And Christine reckons there is no better place to find love than the E4 dating show. She said: 'It's all brand new to me, but I'm in the best place, I'm excited for it. 'I've got to take a deep breath and just dive in. I can't be single for the rest of my life.' Other famous faces on the Celebs Go Dating line-up are Love Islander Olivia Hawkins, Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona, The Chase quizzer Mark Labbett, S Club singer Jon Lee, comic Donna Preston and Made In Chelsea lothario Sam Prince. They are all guided by dating coach Paul C Brunson and sex guru Dr Tara Suwinyattichaiporn. After meeting potential dates, including a lesbian called Leanne, Christine admits: 'There's parts of all of them that I really like. 'With Leanne, although she's presenting more fem, I know there's a lot of dominance in her. I'm really torn. Leanne isn't my usual type, she's more feminine, quite glamorous. I'd like to see more of her masculine side, which I'm pretty sure is in there.' The show is likely to make for uncomfortable viewing for Paddy as Christine has already divulged a few things that may feel like a needle to her ex-husband. Before the show aired, she admitted: 'I can just have a deeper connection with a woman. I like someone who knows what they want and isn't playing games.' Celebs Go Dating is on tonight, tomorrow and Thursday on E4 at 9pm. All this week's episodes are available to stream now. 7 The model is appearing on E4's Celebs Go Dating, pictured with Olivia Hawkins, Kerry Katona, Mark Labbett, Jon Lee, Donna Preston, and Sam Prince Credit: Matt Monfredi / Channel 4