Latest news with #HenryMountCharles
Extra.ie
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
From politics to concerts to whiskey: Inside Lord Henry Mount Charles' life
Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mount Charles has passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer. News of Lord Henry's death broke on Thursday with his family confirming he had passed peacefully in the late hours of Wednesday, June 18 'following a long and valiant battle with cancer.' They added that the beloved husband, father, grandfather and custodian of Slane Castle inspired 'all who knew him' with his courage and unwavering spirit. Slane Castle owner Lord Henry Mount Charles has passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer. Pic: Courtesy of Slane Castle But who exactly was the late Lord Henry? Henry Conyngham was the eldest son of the 7th Marquess Conyngham and his first wife, Eileen Wren Newsom, obtaining the courtesy title of the Earl of Mount Charles in 1974. As a youngster, Henry attended Harrow School in London before studying at Harvard University. Following the death of his father in 2009, Henry succeeded him as the 8th Marquess Conyngham, but was still more often than not referred to by his former title. Lord Henry Mount Charles. Pic: RTÉ Lord Henry married twice — he married Juliet Kitson in 1971, and the pair went on to have three children together before their divorce in 1985. Lord Henry and Juliet's children are Alexander, Henrietta and Lord Gerald. The same year he divorced Juliet, he went on to marry Lady Iona Charlotte Grimston. The pair welcomed the arrival of their only daughter Tamara in 1991. Alex Mount Charles at Slane Castle. Pic: Sean Dwyer The late Lord Henry also has three doting grandchildren through his son Alexander and his wife Carina Bolton. The pair are parents to Lady Laragh, Rory Nicholas and The Honourable Caspar. In 2023, Lord Henry defied ongoing health issues as he walked his youngest daughter, Lady Tamara Conynham, down the aisle as she wed her long-term partner, Cian Speers. The nuptials took place on the grounds of the family's ancestral home, Slane Castle. The crowd at Slane Castle to watch Rolling Stones in 2007. Pic: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland Slane Castle was built in the late 18th century, with the Conyngham family living on the grounds since, with Alex and his family now residing in the castle with his wife (Countess) Carina. In 1981, Lord Henry began bringing rock concerts to the sleepy village of Slane, Co Meath, with Thin Lizzy headlining the first event alongside a then 'up and coming' Irish band called U2. Since then the castle grounds, which features views across the River Boyne, have hosted the biggest names in the world including Bruce Springsteen in 1985; Robbie Williams; Metallica and most recently Harry Styles. In 2015, the family ventured into the alcohol business and opened their own whiskey distillery on the grounds of Slane Castle. As well as being a businessman, Lord Mount Charles tried his hand at politics as well, entering the 1992 general election in the Louth constituency as one of the Fine Gael tickets. Unfortunately his bid was unsuccessful, but he didn't allow it to deter him. In 1997, Lord Henry ran as an Independent as he contested the elections to Seanad Éireann as part of the Dublin University constituency. Lord Henry withdrew his name from the contest for a nomination to run in the 2004 European elections. He was set to run for the East constituency and would have run for Fine Gael.
North Wales Chronicle
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Tributes paid to Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles, who has died aged 74
He died late on Wednesday after 'a long and valiant' battle with cancer, his family said. Since 1981, the flamboyant rock fan has hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. 'It is with profound sadness that the family of Lord Henry Mount Charles, the Marquess Conyngham, announce his peaceful passing in the late hours of June 18 following a long and valiant battle with cancer,' his family said in a statement. 'A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and custodian of Slane Castle, Lord Henry's courage and unwavering spirit inspired all who knew him.' The Slane estate, which acts as a huge natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. His family said Lord Henry Mount Charles had left behind 'an extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland's heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music and community'. 'His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives, while his warmth, humour and resilience endeared him to friends, colleagues and admirers across generations. 'Lord Henry's light will continue to shine through the lives he enriched and the enduring contributions he made to Ireland's cultural landscape. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.' His family thanked the 'exceptional' staff at St James's Hospital and the many caregivers who treated him with 'compassion' over the last decade. They also said they were 'deeply moved' by the 'outpouring of public kindness' during his illness. The family have asked for privacy and said the funeral arrangements will be private. President Michael D Higgins has led tributes and expressed condolences to his wife Lady Iona, to his children Alexander, Henrietta, Wolfe and Tamara. 'Lord Henry's contribution was quite unique and a very important turning point in live music in Ireland when he decided to begin using the natural amphitheatre at Slane Castle as a venue at which public performances could be held by some of the most contemporary makers of music,' Mr Higgins said. 'It wasn't just in relation to very well-known events that Henry was involved, he had a deep interest in promotion of music including new and young talent. 'I have been saddened over recent years to hear of his struggles with cancer, about which he spoken personally and helpfully of his experiences.' Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said he would be remembered for his 'unrivalled wit, his ability to light up a room, and his incredible sense of warmth and generosity'. 'For so many, Lord Henry will be remembered as the man who brought rock-and-roll to the iconic music venue that is Slane Castle. 'I want to pay tribute to him for the incredible contribution he made to arts, culture and of course his beloved county Meath. 'My deepest sympathies are today with his family and friends.'
Leader Live
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Tributes paid to Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles, who has died aged 74
He died late on Wednesday after 'a long and valiant' battle with cancer, his family said. Since 1981, the flamboyant rock fan has hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. 'It is with profound sadness that the family of Lord Henry Mount Charles, the Marquess Conyngham, announce his peaceful passing in the late hours of June 18 following a long and valiant battle with cancer,' his family said in a statement. 'A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and custodian of Slane Castle, Lord Henry's courage and unwavering spirit inspired all who knew him.' The Slane estate, which acts as a huge natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. His family said Lord Henry Mount Charles had left behind 'an extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland's heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music and community'. 'His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives, while his warmth, humour and resilience endeared him to friends, colleagues and admirers across generations. 'Lord Henry's light will continue to shine through the lives he enriched and the enduring contributions he made to Ireland's cultural landscape. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.' His family thanked the 'exceptional' staff at St James's Hospital and the many caregivers who treated him with 'compassion' over the last decade. They also said they were 'deeply moved' by the 'outpouring of public kindness' during his illness. The family have asked for privacy and said the funeral arrangements will be private. President Michael D Higgins has led tributes and expressed condolences to his wife Lady Iona, to his children Alexander, Henrietta, Wolfe and Tamara. 'Lord Henry's contribution was quite unique and a very important turning point in live music in Ireland when he decided to begin using the natural amphitheatre at Slane Castle as a venue at which public performances could be held by some of the most contemporary makers of music,' Mr Higgins said. 'It wasn't just in relation to very well-known events that Henry was involved, he had a deep interest in promotion of music including new and young talent. 'I have been saddened over recent years to hear of his struggles with cancer, about which he spoken personally and helpfully of his experiences.' Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said he would be remembered for his 'unrivalled wit, his ability to light up a room, and his incredible sense of warmth and generosity'. 'For so many, Lord Henry will be remembered as the man who brought rock-and-roll to the iconic music venue that is Slane Castle. 'I want to pay tribute to him for the incredible contribution he made to arts, culture and of course his beloved county Meath. 'My deepest sympathies are today with his family and friends.'
Rhyl Journal
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Tributes paid to Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles, who has died aged 74
He died late on Wednesday after 'a long and valiant' battle with cancer, his family said. Since 1981, the flamboyant rock fan has hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. 'It is with profound sadness that the family of Lord Henry Mount Charles, the Marquess Conyngham, announce his peaceful passing in the late hours of June 18 following a long and valiant battle with cancer,' his family said in a statement. 'A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and custodian of Slane Castle, Lord Henry's courage and unwavering spirit inspired all who knew him.' The Slane estate, which acts as a huge natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. His family said Lord Henry Mount Charles had left behind 'an extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland's heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music and community'. 'His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives, while his warmth, humour and resilience endeared him to friends, colleagues and admirers across generations. 'Lord Henry's light will continue to shine through the lives he enriched and the enduring contributions he made to Ireland's cultural landscape. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.' His family thanked the 'exceptional' staff at St James's Hospital and the many caregivers who treated him with 'compassion' over the last decade. They also said they were 'deeply moved' by the 'outpouring of public kindness' during his illness. The family have asked for privacy and said the funeral arrangements will be private. President Michael D Higgins has led tributes and expressed condolences to his wife Lady Iona, to his children Alexander, Henrietta, Wolfe and Tamara. 'Lord Henry's contribution was quite unique and a very important turning point in live music in Ireland when he decided to begin using the natural amphitheatre at Slane Castle as a venue at which public performances could be held by some of the most contemporary makers of music,' Mr Higgins said. 'It wasn't just in relation to very well-known events that Henry was involved, he had a deep interest in promotion of music including new and young talent. 'I have been saddened over recent years to hear of his struggles with cancer, about which he spoken personally and helpfully of his experiences.' Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said he would be remembered for his 'unrivalled wit, his ability to light up a room, and his incredible sense of warmth and generosity'. 'For so many, Lord Henry will be remembered as the man who brought rock-and-roll to the iconic music venue that is Slane Castle. 'I want to pay tribute to him for the incredible contribution he made to arts, culture and of course his beloved county Meath. 'My deepest sympathies are today with his family and friends.'
South Wales Argus
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Tributes paid to Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles, who has died aged 74
He died late on Wednesday after 'a long and valiant' battle with cancer, his family said. Since 1981, the flamboyant rock fan has hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. 'It is with profound sadness that the family of Lord Henry Mount Charles, the Marquess Conyngham, announce his peaceful passing in the late hours of June 18 following a long and valiant battle with cancer,' his family said in a statement. 'A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and custodian of Slane Castle, Lord Henry's courage and unwavering spirit inspired all who knew him.' The Slane estate, which acts as a huge natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. His family said Lord Henry Mount Charles had left behind 'an extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland's heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music and community'. 'His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives, while his warmth, humour and resilience endeared him to friends, colleagues and admirers across generations. Noel Gallagher, Oasis guitarist Gem Archer and Lord Henry Mount Charles before one of Oasis's open-air concerts at Slane Castle (Niall Carson/PA) 'Lord Henry's light will continue to shine through the lives he enriched and the enduring contributions he made to Ireland's cultural landscape. He will be profoundly missed, but never forgotten.' His family thanked the 'exceptional' staff at St James's Hospital and the many caregivers who treated him with 'compassion' over the last decade. They also said they were 'deeply moved' by the 'outpouring of public kindness' during his illness. The family have asked for privacy and said the funeral arrangements will be private. President Michael D Higgins has led tributes and expressed condolences to his wife Lady Iona, to his children Alexander, Henrietta, Wolfe and Tamara. 'Lord Henry's contribution was quite unique and a very important turning point in live music in Ireland when he decided to begin using the natural amphitheatre at Slane Castle as a venue at which public performances could be held by some of the most contemporary makers of music,' Mr Higgins said. 'It wasn't just in relation to very well-known events that Henry was involved, he had a deep interest in promotion of music including new and young talent. 'I have been saddened over recent years to hear of his struggles with cancer, about which he spoken personally and helpfully of his experiences.' Ireland's deputy premier Simon Harris said he would be remembered for his 'unrivalled wit, his ability to light up a room, and his incredible sense of warmth and generosity'. 'For so many, Lord Henry will be remembered as the man who brought rock-and-roll to the iconic music venue that is Slane Castle. 'I want to pay tribute to him for the incredible contribution he made to arts, culture and of course his beloved county Meath. 'My deepest sympathies are today with his family and friends.'
