‘A man of deep spirituality and wisdom’ – Tributes paid to singer Johnny Duhan at his funeral mass

The Limerick native was well-known for writing the hit song The Voyage, performed by Christy Moore.

The 74-year-old died after going for a swim in Galway Bay earlier this week. Mr Duhan failed to return home on Monday and as a search operation was then launched.

His body was then recovered from the Silverstrand in Barna on Tuesday morning.

He is survived by his wife Maureen and five children Ronan, Niamh, Kevin, Ailbhe and Brian, ten grandchildren, four sisters and three brothers, along with a large cohort of music fans.

Mourners gathered in St Killian's New Inn Church in Co Galway for the service earlier today.

A number of gifts were brought to the altar to remember Mr Duhan, including his guitar, a pair of sandals and socks, a prayer book dedicated to his "strong unwavering faith", a seashell to remember his "favourite place" and a photo of him with his wife and children.

He was described as a beloved figure, who lived an extraordinary life filled with music, family and faith.

Mourners heard how deeply committed to his family he was with his songs reflecting that devotion.

"It's been incredible to see how many lives he's touched and how deeply he was loved and how lasting his legacy will be," his daughter Niamh said.

"He treated people with kindness, always taking the time to listen, to learn and to respond with care and humour.

"He was a man of deep spirituality and wisdom, he spent his life seeking meaning, whether though scripture, poetry or those early morning reflections that have left a lasting impression on all of us."

She described how at the tender age of 21, he followed his grandmother's wishes and began his music career, quickly making a name for himself in the Irish music scene.

But after meeting his wife, he stepped away from "the rock and roll lifestyle of the 60s and 70s" and transitioned towards folk music as a solo artist.

They briefly moved to Los Angeles where a record deal fell through before moving back to Woodlawn, Galway.

"It was there that Johnny has such fond memories, songwriting, growing vegetables... finding himself and finding his way back to faith," she said.

Following his funeral mass, Mr Duhan was laid to rest in Killaan Cemetery, Woodlawn.

Earlier this week, Taoiseach Simon Harris led tributes to Mr Duhan and said it was "terribly sad news tonight from Galway".

He added: "Johnny Duhan was a renowned and much loved songwriter.

"Thinking of his family and loved ones at this very sad time."