VIDEO: Country singer leads moving rendition in honour of musician Gene Stuart

Country musician Gene Stuart recieved a tuneful send-off at the weekend, when fellow musician Philomena Begley led mourners in a heart-felt version of '˜The Way Old Friends Do'.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th Feb 2016, 18:51 BST
Updated 18th Feb 2016, 10:01 BST
Philomena Begley sings at Gene Stuart's funeralPhilomena Begley sings at Gene Stuart's funeral
Philomena Begley sings at Gene Stuart's funeral

Surrounded by mourners and accompanied by a traditional band, the scene was captured on video at St Patrick’s, Aughnagar.

Radio host Hugo Duncan and musicians Pat Casey, John O’Neill, Plunkett McGartland, John Morrison were also there to pay their respects.

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Gene was later laid to rest as guitars and fiddles sounded, following his Requiem Mass on Sunday, February 14.

Gene recorded one of his albums in NashvilleGene recorded one of his albums in Nashville
Gene recorded one of his albums in Nashville

The 72-year-old passed away on Thursday after an illness, leaving music fans and the communities of Killeeshil and Dungannon communities in mourning.

Having launched 20 albums – one recorded in Nashville, Tennessee – as well as many singles including an Irish top ten hit, Gene had first became ill last year.

The father of three – a former photographer with the Dungannon Observer – was well-known across Ireland and England, having sung with his band The Homesteaders.

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In spite of his fame and iconic status within the country music scene, Gene was a respected member of Killeeshil parish, saying readings at Sunday Mass in Aughnagar chapel and fundraising for his community through annual musical shows.