Daniel O’Donnell paid a heartfelt tribute to his bandmate and dear friend, Ronnie Kennedy, by performing at his funeral on Wednesday. Ronnie, who had been part of O’Donnell’s band for decades, tragically passed away on Friday after a long battle with cancer. He played the accordion and keyboards with O’Donnell, creating unforgettable music together over the years.
O’Donnell shared the sad news on Facebook, expressing his sorrow at the loss of a cherished friend. “It is with great sadness that I write this message. To let you know that my good friend Ronnie Kennedy passed away this morning. RIP,” O’Donnell wrote. He added that Ronnie had been ill for some time, and extended his gratitude to everyone who had offered prayers during his illness.
“Ronnie had been part of my band for over 30 years,” O’Donnell continued. “We shared some wonderful times together, and I have great memories of all the many things we did. I am very grateful that I got to spend some precious time with Ronnie last Friday to say goodbye.”
O’Donnell also expressed his deep sympathy to Ronnie’s family: “Our loss is heaven’s gain. There will be great music and laughter in heaven now that Ronnie is there. My deepest sympathy to his wife Fran, his children Alan, Karen, Gary, Derek, and Laura, his grandchildren, and all his extended family. Rest in peace ‘Grandad.’”
At the funeral, O’Donnell performed several emotional songs, including “In The Garden,” “Remember Me,” “Rainbow’s End,” and “The Rare Ould Times,” as a tribute to his friend and bandmate. His renditions moved those in attendance, and his sorrow was evident as he honored the memory of the man who had been by his side for so long.
During the service, Ronnie’s son spoke fondly of his father, remembering him not just as a gifted musician, but as a remarkable human being. “Ronnie, as we all know, is an incredibly gifted musician, but our dad was an even more brilliant person than he was an artist,” he said. “He was a positive person for sure, and dad lived by the principle of kindness and generosity and always went out of his way to make people feel better.”
He added, “I’ve never known anyone consciously try and spread happiness as much as our dad. To say please, ah thanks or he or she is lovely, nobody did it as much as he did. Even when dying in his last few days, when talking to the wonderful carers, all he repeatedly said to them was, I’m dead on.”
Ronnie Kennedy’s passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him, but his legacy of kindness, generosity, and musical brilliance will continue to resonate. His family, friends, and fans will forever remember the joyful and talented man who touched so many lives.