Funeral of musician Paddy Cole to take place on Monday

Olivia Kelleher

The funeral of musician and entertainer Paddy Cole is set to take place on Monday.

The 85-year-old died on Wednesday afternoon in Dublin’s St Vincent’s Private Hospital.

Mr Cole, who lived in Ballsbridge in Dublin, was affectionately known as “The King of The Swingers.” He had taken his style of Jazz, Dixieland and Swing band music all over the world.

The native of Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, is survived by his wife Helen, children Pearse, Pat and Karen, his nine grandchildren Sadie, Ava, Jamie, Edel, Ruby, his sihis in laws, nieces, nephews, and many close friends. He was predeceased by his sisters Sadie and Jacinta.

The saxophone player and singer will lie in repose at Fanagans Funeral Home, in Rathfarnham on Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.

His removal will take place on Monday morning to St Mary’s Church, Castleblayney, arriving for a noon funeral mass. A private cremation will follow.

Mourners are asked to donate to the Irish Cancer Society in lieu of flowers. Mr Cole was diagnosed with lung cancer three years ago.

Mr Cole celebrated his 85th birthday on December 17th of last year. In his final interview with the Sunday World last month, he said that in recent years he never expected to reach such a milestone age.

He indicated that his health was “up and down” but he was trying to stay positive and keep “the best side out.”