Ireland

Star of country and showband era Pio McCann laid to rest

Pio McCann died at his home on Friday.
Pio McCann died at his home on Friday. Pio McCann died at his home on Friday.

Stars of Irish country music have paid tribute to well-known radio presenter, Pio McCann, who has died.

Mr McCann, who was best known in recent years through his work with Co Donegal’s Highland Radio, died peacefully at his home in Tyrone on Friday.

Fans of his radio programmes and his work as a leading figure in the Showband era lined the route as his funeral cortege travelled to the Sacred Heart Church in Omagh yesterday.

Many of the leading names in country music attended Requiem Mass which was celebrated by Fr Brian D'Arcy. Singer Nathan Carter sang "Go Rest High On That Mountain" as the remains were carried from the church.

A member of the Claxton showband in the early 1960s, Mr McCann went on to play with some of the most popular bands of the time, including Brian Coll and the Buckaroos. He also played with The Tall Men and the Polka Dots bands as well as Hugo Duncan.

Honoured in 2008 with a Country Music Association International Broadcaster award in Nashville, he had a huge following among country music enthusiasts in Ireland. He received his award from country star, George Hamilton IV.

A founding presenter at Highland Radio, his show became one of the most popular at the station. Among those to pay tribute on social media were Nathan Carter. He said:

“Pio was a great promoter of country music in Donegal and further afield."

Philomena Begley described Mr McCann as a close friend.

“Today we have lost another great person and a great friend. Rest in peace Pio and thank you for all the love and support you afforded me and Aidan over the years," she said.