Tributes paid to Eamonn O'Connor

Some of the biggest names in showbusiness gathered to pay their respects to Ticketmaster Ireland boss Eamonn O’Connor.

Mr O’Connor, 51, died after short battle with cancer.

He worked closely with top concert promoters Peter Aiken of Aiken Promotions, and his late father Jim, as well as Denis Desmond of MCD, who both paid tribute to him yesterday.

Promoters Pat Egan, Maurice Cassidy, and John Reynolds were among the mourners at Our Lady Help of Christians Church on Dublin’s Navan Rd.

Peter Aiken and Mick Devine, chauffeur to the stars, were among those who carried the coffin.

Others at the Mass included Michael Flatley and his wife Niamh, singer Christy Moore, Boyzone’s Keith Duffy, and comic Tommy Tiernan, who had all worked with Eamon down through the years.

Flatley, who now lives in London, said of Mr O’Connor: “He simply cannot be replaced.

“I dearly loved the man. He was a genuine dear friend, a giant of a man and a real gentleman.”

Fr Dan Joe O’Mahony told the congregation in the packed church that Mr O’Connor was a major fan of Clare GAA, and his son David had played senior football for the county.

A native Dubliner, he made his last journey to Kilbaha, Co Clare, where he and his family owned a holiday home. He will be laid to rest today.

He is survived by his wife Breda, son David mother Maureen, as well as brothers Brian and Shay, and sisters Aileen and Mary.