Funeral details published for Johnny McEvoy respecting his ‘own request’
The funeral for Johnny McEvoy, the singing legend who originally came from Banagher, will respect his own wishes but also offer fans a chance to pay their respects in Co Wicklow.
The final curtain call for renowned entertainer Johnny McEvoy will be “strictly private at his own request” but fans will have an opportunity to pay their respects.
Funeral details for Johnny McEvoy of Greystones, Co. Wicklow and formerly Banagher, Co. Offaly have just been published.
The notice on RIP.ie says: “The McEvoy family are heartbroken to announce that it was the closing of the final curtain for this well-known and talented gentleman on Sunday November 8th 2026 at his home.
“Pre-deceased by his beloved wife and best friend Odette (née Matthews), parents John and Emily McEvoy, sisters Marie and Emily and brother Tom.
“Remembered with love by his devoted children Jonathan and Alice, daughter-in-law Deirdre, son-in-law Ronan, adored grandchildren Kyle, Isabella and Cinéad, companion Mary, brothers-in-law Eamonn and Don, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, circle of friends, his manager Darren, many fans, colleagues, the people who loved his music and those from the music world.
“The ceremony to celebrate Johnny’s life will be strictly private at his own request.
“For those who would like to pay their respects his funeral cortège will leave the Greystones Harbour Marina on Saturday (November 14th) at 2.20pm driving along Cliff Road and Marine Road (Greystones Seafront) -a walk which he enjoyed daily. No flowers by request, donations in memory of Johnny to Dublin Simon Community. May he rest in peace,” the notice reads.
Johnny was 81 years of age and after growing up in Banagher he embarked on a stellar career which included playing with the Rolling Stones and achieving number ones like “Muirsheen Durkin” in 1966 and “The Boston Burglar” in 1967.
Known as “the Boy from Banagher,” Johnny was born to a bus driver and housewife, John and Emily McEvoy, in April 1945. The family moved to Dublin when he was six.
He began singing at the age of four and became a professional musician at 18, achieving fame in 1966 when his single Muirsheen Durkin reached number one in Ireland. He returned to the hit again in 2010 when he released a new recording of the song with Sharon Shannon.
Johnny is revered in his hometown of Banagher. A number of years ago, a statue dedicated to the singer was erected at the bottom of the town, adjacent to the entrance to the Marina, across from the house where he was born. Unfortunately, the tribute had to be removed in 2019 after it became badly damaged.