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Blues singer Mary Coughlan mourns
Donegal dad
28.01.18
BLUES singer Mary
Coughlan is mourning the loss of her elderly
Donegal-born father Peter Doherty who has died
peacefully in a nursing home.
Mr Doherty, who was in his late eighties, passed
away on Saturday at Maryfield Nursing Home in
Athenry, Co Galway.
The sad news was announced yesterday on behalf of
the folk and jazz performer (61) who asked for “a
bit of time” to come to terms with her loss.
Her friend and music collaborator Jimmy Smyth posted
a message saying: “Very sad to hear of the passing
of Mary Coughlan's father, Peter Doherty, this
morning. Mary has asked for a bit of time, so
please, no private messages. RIP Peter.”
Peter Doherty was a retired former soldier. He was
predeceased by his wife Peggy with whom he had six
children including an infant daughter Valerie, who
predeceased the couple. The Doherty family lived in
Galway city including Woodlawn and formerly
Shantalla. |
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Mary Coughlan. |
Ms Coughlan, who has
battled alcohol and drug addiction, has previously
spoken about her fractious early relationship with
her mother and father. However, she became close to
both of them in latter years and enjoyed bringing
them on holidays to places such as Rome and Venice.
She tells a story of how a proud Mr Doherty, sitting
in the audience in 2000, once videotaped her
acclaimed Billie Holiday show at the Gaiety Theatre.
Fans have been posting messages of support following
her bereavement.
Mr Doherty is also survived by his adult children
Angela, Carol, Ger and Martin along with his
brothers, sisters, grandchildren,
great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
His remains will repose at O’Flaherty Funeral
Parlour, Munster Avenue, Galway, on Monday, January
29, from 5pm -7pm followed by removal to St Joseph’s
Church, Presentation Road.
His funeral will take place there on Tuesday with
11am requiem mass followed by burial in the New
Cemetery, Bohermore, Galway.
His family have requested no flowers, with donations
in lieu, if desired, to the patient comfort fund at
Maryfield Nursing Home, Athenry. |
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