Tributes paid to Kerry singer Mike Condon – ‘anybody you’d talk to, they’d tell you he was one of the best’

Fans of the local music scene, both here in Kerry and further afield, will have been all too familiar with the Ballyduff man’s amazing talent as a singer and performer, a talent that will be sadly missed following his passing.

Among those who paid tribute to him this week was his fellow North Kerry man, Paddy Fitzmaurice, who spoke fondly of Mike to The Kerryman on Thursday afternoon.

“I have known the family all my life. We used to do a bit of fishing together, and I even remember him delivering bread. He was an honest man who always worked hard to make a living. In the music scene then, I think anybody you’d talk to, they would tell you that he was one of the best.”

“He was a familiar sight to many in Ballyheigue over the years. They were really mad about him there in O’Regan’s Bar. He used to play all around Limerick and Cork, too. He was a very big name around these parts,” Paddy said.

Others who paid tribute included Cllr Charlie Farrelly, who wrote on Facebook that he was “saddened to hear the sad news that today we have lost another great Kerry country music singer and greyhound enthusiast in Mike Condon, one of life’s great gentlemen.”

O’Regan’s Bar also posted a tribute to Mike on their own social media:

“It was with tremendous sadness that I heard this morning of the sad passing of the legendary Mike Condon. To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement. He played for my late father since 1985. A lifetime playing in O’Regan’s Lounge entertaining us all. Thousands of dancers have passed before him.

Mike courageously played at this year’s Pattern Day despite his ill health. The words of one of his songs stand out in my mind today. These words from Kerry My Homeland sum up the great Mike Condonn.

“Such beauty I see, from the mouth of the Shannon. Grand Kerry Head down by sweet Dingle Bay. Watched over proudly by your scenic mountains. Kerry, my Homeland, with you I will stay

“Ní bheidh a leithead ann arís. Thank you, Mike, for the great nights in the back of Reagan’s. My deepest condolences to all the family,” the post read.

Mike passed away peacefully on the in the presence of his loving family in the care of the Palliative Care Unit at University Hospital Kerry. He was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary Brigid, his brothers Robbie and Seán and his sister Mary.

He will be sadly missed by his loving family, his wife Noan, sons Declan and Mark, daughters Caroline and Susie.