Funeral hears DJ Tizer 'touched the lives of many young people of his generation' from Banbridge to Bondi Beach
The funeral of Tony Walsh aka DJ Tizer in St. Patrick’s Church, Banbridge heard Father John McAreavey ‘thank God for all his talents and his larger-than-life persona’.
Addressing the congregation, Father McAreavey told mourners at the Requiem Mass of Tony Walsh that he ‘was born in Banbridge and
attended schools in the parish’ before working as a painter ‘but developed a set of skills as a DJ that gained him a following in this area, across these islands and on one occasion extending to Bondi Beach in Australia’.
Father McAreavey added: ‘Using these gifts, he touched the lives of many young people of his generation.
‘The news of his sudden death on Saturday last caused great shock, sadness and distress to those who had
come to know and follow him,’ the cleric added.
Addressing mourners Fr McAreavey said we ‘thank God for all his talents and his larger-than-life persona’ and ‘we surround him with our prayers and offer our support to his parents, to Eva and his sons, Kirk and Curtis’.
‘As we pray for the repose of Tony’s soul, we pray too for the young people of our time that in their search for happiness, they may be led to the company of the Good Shepherd in ‘fresh and green pastures where he gives us repose, who leads us near
restful waters and revives our spirits,’ he added.
He was later buried in the adjoining cemetery – St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Dromore Road, Banbridge.
DJ Tizer became renowned for organising ‘old skool raves’ and his appearances at some of Northern Ireland's most celebrated nightclubs and dance music establishments.
Earlier friends posted of their shock and grief online including: ‘Sooo only getting round to this now, as phone and internet havent stopped..and its still just soo surreal and in a daze!
‘Its taking me a while to put these words together because tony wasnt just a normal fella from banbridge...he was a mould breaker!!
‘Little did he know that when he put the first wax on a deck that he wud go onto to become the best, and touch / influence tens of 1000s of people across the globe including myself.…’
The praise added: ‘He had soo many friends and colleagues across the uk and beyond, and social media over past days shows just that..the support and comments have been outstanding and overwhelming...now his parents really know who and wat he was’.
And earlier friends posted: ‘Can't believe the news this morning and that I'm having to write this but my good friend for last 30yrs hard-core legend and scratch master Tony Walsh aka Dj Tizer has passed away’.
‘Devastated and heartbroken my friend I'll never forget about all of the memories and good times we had over the 30yrs, rest easy in the arms of the angels Tony from me (Dj Ice i remember u gave me that name ) and my family’.