Carlow native and band conductor dies suddenly just days after concert

People in Portarlington and its hinterland have been left shocked and saddened at the death of the conductor of the town's concert band Gerry Lacey, a Carlow native.

Mr Lacey passed away suddenly near his home on Wednesday, August 23 while out on one of his regular cycling spins. Just three days earlier he was front and centre of the performance of the Portarlington Concert Band's junior section at the annual Lions Club Family Day.

Gerry was a conductor with the band which he helped establish since it was founded by Pat Donegan some five years ago. Since it was formed the deceased put his heart, soul and love of music into fostering the young and adult musical talent in the Laois Offaly town.

Mr Donegan, who is the band's Chairperson, said Gerry was a weekly visitor to the town where he gave classes. He helped with rehearsals and gave lessons. Apart from being conductor, he was the brass instrument teacher.

The deceased, a Carlow native, made the trips to Port from his home in Roscommon to help out with all four bands that operate under the Portarlington Concert Band umbrella which now has 90 members.  

"Gerry was instrumental in getting the band off the ground," he said.

Mr Donegan was overwhelmed by the response from everybody connected with the Portarlington band at the death of the man who travelled twice a week to the town to help out.

"He was very well-liked and very charismatic. He was very much a giver and had great concern for the band. He would also do a lot of work behind the scenes editing music. He would come in every week with a new piece of music for beginners or seniors," he said.  

Mr Donegan fondly recalled Gerry conducting the junior band at the Lions Club Family Day last Sunday, August 20 and his return to the town the next day to continue his work with the band.

"He loved music," he said.

The deceased began his lifetime in music in the Carlow Youth Band before making a career in the Defence Forces with the Western Command. He was a member of the Army Band for many years. He came from a musical family and all of his brothers were trumpet players in Carlow and with the Irish Army.

The deceased, who was aged 65, was well known in musical circles around the midlands for working with bands and schools as a teacher and band leader.

Mr Donegan said a group from the Portarlington Concert band would travel to the funeral this weekend to pay their respects.

Willie Murphy, who volunteered with the band, was MC at the Lions Club Family Day. He recalled being impressed with how Gerry helped children realise their dreams on the day especially one young girl who wants to be a conductor.

He paid tribute in a personal capacity and also as a representative of the Lions Club he extended his condolences to the Lacey family.

Late of Clongowana, Athlone and formerly Carlow town, Gerry is deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Catherine and family Emma, Ian,  Shona, and Shane, grandchildren, Breandán, Conall, Sonny, Shay and Harry, relatives, neighbours, friends and his comrades from the Band of the Western Command.

His remains repose on Friday evening at the Strand Funeral Home (N37 E6K0) from 4 to 6 pm. Funeral Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday morning in Ss. Peter & Paul's Church at 11 am followed by burial in Drum Cemetery.

Gerry's Funeral Mass may be streamed live on https://churchservices.tv/athlone