IRISH country singer Declan Nerney has led tributes to Co Derry musician Chris Bradley, who lost his life in a fatal road crash in Co Louth in the early hours of Saturday.
The Desertmartin father-of-two, who played drums for the Declan Nerney band, died at the scene of the 2am crash between a car and a tractor on the M1, close to Ardee.
Two other band members, Jerome McBride and Bob Hunt, were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda to be treated for injuries, believed to be non-life threatening.
It’s understood the trio had been returning from a gig at Tougher’s of Naas in Co Kildare.
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The tragedy comes eight years after Declan Nerney’s drummer Martin O’Connor (36) from Roscommon was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Florida while on tour with the country performer.
Mr Nerney said he was “devastated” by the loss of Chris Bradley, who was aged in his 30s and had taken over the drumming role in his band eight years ago.
“Chris was a magnificent drummer and above all that an even better colleague and friend,” he said.
“He was the life and soul of the party, always lit up a room with his great sense of humour and a powerful legion of fans.
“While we are all so devastated by this sad news we must keep his heartbroken wife Gabrielle, two children - Darcey and Brogan, parents, siblings and extended family members in our thoughts and prayers.
“May god give them the strength to get them through the dark days ahead.
“We must also keep our other two band members Bob and Jerome who were also involved in this horrific accident in our thoughts and prayers and wish them a speedy recovery.”
Tributes for the talented drummer poured in from across the Irish entertainment scene over the weekend.
In a heartfelt tribute, Co Tyrone singer Philomena Begley said: “Christopher backed me on the drums on many occasions and we had great fun and I have great memories of a beautiful and kind young man which I will hold dearly in my heart.”
Daniel O’Donnell also spoke of his “shock and sadness” and expressed his sympathies to the Bradley family.
“Thinking especially of Jerome and Bob and please god they will fully recover from their injuries. May god help them all at this very sad time.”
A member and past player of St Martin’s in Desertmartin, the GAA club, announced the suspension of all club activities over the weekend as a mark of respect.
In a statement, the Derry club said: “Christopher, his brothers Liam and Dermot, and nephews Michael, Fearghal and Lorcan, are all past and present playing members.
“His parents, Mario and Monica, and sisters Fiona and Laura are all devoted supporters of the club and are regular match attenders.
“At this time of great sorrow, we will suspend all club activity until further notice and put an arm of solidarity around the family.”
A total of 201 people have died on roads across the island of Ireland this year, official figures from both sides of the border have shown.
