DANIEL O’DONNELL MOURNS THE DEATH OF ‘TRUE GENTLEMAN’ AND COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND KEVIN PRENDERGAST
The Irish country music community is in mourning following the death of Kevin Prendergast, the beloved Mayo singer-songwriter whose career spanned decades and whose songs became part of Ireland’s cultural fabric. Kevin died peacefully at home on Monday, his family announced, leaving behind a legacy of music, kindness, and generosity that endeared him to fans and fellow performers alike.
Among the first to pay tribute was Daniel O’Donnell, who expressed his sorrow at the loss of a friend and colleague he had known for many years. “It is with sadness today that I learned of the passing of Kevin Prendergast,” Daniel said. “Through the years Kevin and I were on many shows together. He was a true gentleman. My sympathy to his family at this sad time. Rest in Peace Kevin.”
Daniel’s sister, fellow country star Margo O’Donnell, echoed the sentiment, calling Kevin’s death a “great sadness.” “I have had the pleasure of knowing Kevin for a long, long time,” she wrote. “My sympathies go out to all his family. He will be sadly missed.”
Tributes poured in from across the Irish music scene. Singer Stuart Moyles described Prendergast as “a talented singer/songwriter” and “an absolute gentleman who had time for everyone.” He recalled sharing the stage with him many times and praised his warmth both on and off the stage.
Prendergast’s career began in the 1960s after emigrating to Manchester, where he balanced construction work with nightly singing in Irish clubs and pubs. His deep love for Ireland and his native Mayo shone through in his songwriting, producing cherished hits such as Blacksod Bay, My Old Home in Mayo, My Cottage by the Sea, and Where the River Shannon Flows. These songs, rooted in nostalgia and Irish identity, became staples for generations of fans at home and abroad.
Those who knew him remember not just his music but also his character. Friends and colleagues consistently describe Kevin as a man of humility and warmth, someone who carried himself with dignity and treated everyone with kindness. His lyrics reflected the same sincerity that guided his life — celebrating home, family, and the landscapes of Ireland that inspired him.
Kevin Prendergast was predeceased by his parents, John and Ann, and his brothers Sean, Brendan, Tom, Ray, and Gerald. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Marian and Eileen, as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, and a wide circle of friends who now mourn his passing.
His remains will repose at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday at midday in St. Mary’s Church, Logboy, with burial to follow in Tulrahan Cemetery.
For fans and fellow musicians, Kevin’s passing marks the end of an era. Yet his songs — filled with longing, love for Ireland, and timeless melodies — will ensure his voice continues to be heard. As Daniel O’Donnell and others have said, the Irish country music world has lost not only a great talent but a true gentleman.