Concert orchestra Mass tribute to Noel Kelehan

The RTÉ concert orchestra yesterday provided the musical accompaniment to the funeral Mass for its former conductor, Noel Kelehan.

Mr Kelehan, 76, who passed away earlier this month, was a renowned conductor, jazz pianist, arranger, and composer.

He was also known to TV audiences throughout Europe as conductor of many Irish Eurovision entries between 1966 and 1998.

He also wrote the string arrangements for U2’s album The Unforgettable Fire.

Among those who attended his funeral at The Church of the Holy Spirit in Rathfarnham were Riverdance co-creator Moya Doherty, Mike Murphy and Red Hurley. Twink and former husband David Agnew arrived at the church together.

During the ceremony, the orchestra performed music by Beethoven, Ravel, and Barber. Eimear Quinn, one of the five Irish Eurovision winners to have been conducted by Mr Kelehan, joined the orchestra for ‘Be Not Afraid’ and ‘Ave Maria’.

Noel Kelehan is survived by wife Mary, daughter Carol, and sons Simon and Brian.