Sadness at passing of gifted musician and family man in Tullamore
THE death has occurred of Kevin Cowley late of Arden Vale, Tullamore.
He was a gifted musician and played in many bands over the years. He was a quiet and gentle man who was devoted to his family.
Wilson's Hospital School posted this tribute. ''The school is sad to hear about the passing of Kevin Cowley. Mr. Cowley taught music in Wilson's for 30 years. He will be missed by staff and past pupils alike. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. ''
This tribute came from a past pupil. ''Very sorry to hear of Mr Cowley’s passing and sincere condolences to his family. A genuinely lovely, calm and very talented man. I have nothing but fond memories of music class with him. My favourite is badly playing the recorder for my Junior Cert music practical and Mr Cowley beautifully accompanying it with some effortless piano playing, as well as the weekly Wonderwall singalongs. May he rest in peace. ''
Another past pupils said, '' I will always cherish my memories of Mr Cowley's music classes in WHS, Kevin always welcomed us with a smile and his guitar in hand and these were some of my favourite times in secondary school.''
''I have very fond memories of Kevin as a school boy in Wilson’s . I left in 1988. Kevin gave me a great love for classical music. I always think of Bach, Haydn, Schubert, Mendelssohn and Ravel when I think of him. He very kindly brought parcels from my parents in Mountmellick on occasion. A gentle and funny man who instilled a passion for his subject.''
One friend said, ''I have great memories of time spent with Kevin from childhood in Derry. I can never forget the month in 1967 he and I spent hitchhiking from Derry with only a small green tent (called:Fingal's Cave!) and Kevin's guitar and case with "IRELAND" written on it. It took us through England and France down to Barcelona and back. Priceless memories of a very good friend.''
He is survived by his wife Patricia, children Emmet, Gavin and Caroline, his much loved grandchildren Jessica, Moya, Caoimhe, Oisín, Daisy and Eve, brothers Vincent, Eugene and Martin, sister Rosemary, daughters-in-law Marie and Mairead, son-in-law Jerry, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He will repose at O'Reilly's Funeral Home Harbour Street, Tullamore on Tuesday from 5pm until Rosary at 7pm. Removal on Wednesday morning to The Church of The Assumption, Tullamore, arriving for Requiem Mass at 10am. Burial afterwards in Durrow cemetery.