Pat Maguire worked with many of Ireland’s biggest bands and mentored many people as they were starting out in the music business
The late Pat Maguire (left) with comedian Pat Shortt
Irish Celtic rock band Horslips have paid tribute to their long-time road manager Pat Maguire following he sad news of his death earlier this week.
Pat, from Coolock in Co Dublin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday surrounded by his loving family and in the care of staff at St Francis Hospice, Raheny. He is survived by his children Ross and Joe.
Pat took on the role of road manager for Horslips in 1975 and he went on to work with many of Ireland’s biggest bands over the years.
He was also known for his work as stage manager for the annual Vibe for Philo, a yearly commemoration event dedicated to Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott.
A picture of Pat Maguire while Horslips were rehearsing in New York in the 1970s
Horslips have paid tribute to the hugely popular figure following the news of his death, with the band saying in a statement: “We’re so saddened at Pat Maguire’s passing. He was a dear friend for many years and a thorough gentleman who would always go the extra mile to help someone out.
“He mentored many, many people starting out in the music business and generously passed on not only his own expertise but his values of decency and fairness.
“And of course he was a mad divil too, God bless him. He’ll be very fondly remembered. Thanks for everything, Pat.”
Pat also worked closely with comedian Pat Shortt, with the D’Unbelievables star hailing with the Dubliner as “an absolute legend in Irish Rock and Roll”.
“My beautiful friend Pat has passed,” Shortt said. “An absolute legend in Irish Rock and Roll I’d the pleasure of working with him touring the world for over 20 years.
“When I started out as a sound man at 19. He saved my bacon more times. I will miss him dearly.”
Pat’s funeral will be held on Saturday morning
Horslips fans have shared their own tributes to Pat, with one person writing in a message shared online: “My sincere condolences to Pats family & friends. I have known Pat since the 70s when he was an integral part of the whole Horslips experience. He was a wonderful man & a consummate professional. He’ll be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Rest in peace Pat.”
Aslan guitarist Billy McGuinness added: “Pat will be sorely missed by all of us in Aslan. He helped us out many times when we were starting out, all there when we needed something sorted for a gig and always knew how to get things done. I’m sure you’ll be in great company up there with all the musicians, and roadies that we have lost recently. Pat RIP Billy, Joee, Alan, Lee.”
Dave Allen, the bookings manager with Whelan’s in Dublin city centre, said: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of Pat. Such a gent but also a total professional. Gave me great help when starting out in the music business back in the late 80s. And a constant friend and help ever since. Miss the Cajun Kings days on a Sunday afternoon as well as the Vibes over the years. Pat loved what he did. And was great at it. He will be sadly missed. May he Rest In Peace. Thoughts and with Pat’s family and friends.”
Pat’s funeral will be held at 10am on Saturday morning at Dardistown Crematorium followed by cremation.
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