Mick Cuffe, People from County Mayo in the West of Ireland

"Just to be around him was a tonic" One of the many tributes made by his adoring public to Mick Cuffe, musician and comedian, who died aged 50 on Friday last. He was laid to rest in the cemetery at Ballintubber Abbey on Sunday.

A native of Ballydavock, Belcarra, Mick Cuffe started off his working life as a mechanic in his father, Tom’s, garage but soon realised his ambition of becoming a full-time musician.

He joined the famous Brose Walsh Band in the 1970’s. Later in life he was to appear on TV’s "Stairway to Stardom" and "Opportunity Knocks" with Hughie Green.

Honoured last year, Mick Cuffe, was honoured by family and friends with a surprise party to mark his thirty years in the entertainment business.

Conn Telegraph 18th September, 2002