Westport mourns entertainer Mick Lavelle

Westport mourns entertainer Mick Lavelle


Neill O’Neill
neilloneill@mayonews.ie

WESTPORT lost one of its most celebrated and recognisable residents yesterday (Monday), when local troubadour, renowned entertainer and all round genial gentleman, Mick Lavelle, passed away. Aged in his eighties, Mick was found at his home on Prospect Avenue off John’s Row. 
An unassuming man and an unlikely but hugely effective ambassador for the town, Mick was famous for his singing and story telling over the years, and has entertained thousands of visitors to the town and region, most famously in Matt Molloy’s, where he was a constant visitor since the pub opened in 1989.
Originally from Skirdagh outside Newport, Mick hailed from a family of six, and was predeceased by his beloved wife Annie in 2008. They had no family of their own.
A former Connacht lilting, singing and storytelling champion, Mick, a pioneer for over 50 years, was crowned Ireland’s ‘King of the Culchies in 1991 and was a regular guest on RTE television and radio, as his national profile soared. He regularly entertained celebrities and dignitaries, and recorded songs at various times over the years, the most famous of which was his well-known ‘Lotto Song’.
Funeral arrangements were not available as of yesterday evening.

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