……BY BILLY SUTER……
TRIBUTES poured in on social media this evening after it was announced that Paul McIlroy, who headed the legendary South African-based Irish trio, The Blarney Brothers, had died at his home in Glenwood, Durban.
McIlroy, who was 79, passed away around lunch time today after having been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer a few months ago. He is survived by his wife Maggie, son Sean and daughter Susan, the latter of whom posted a moving message of Paul’s passing on her Facebook page.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
Together with his brother Damian McIlroy (father of Durban comic Aaron McIlroy) and friend Tony Fisher, Paul McIlroy formed The Blarney Brothers in the early 1970s, after all three Irish-born performers had settled in South Africa.
The singer-musicians offered a popular blend of Irish ballads and jigs, singalong songs, pub favourites, hit tunes and novelty numbers. They became enormously successful over nearly five decades, time in which they toured both nationally and internationally.
Writing on Facebook, musician Don Clarke wrote: “I recorded most of The Blarney Brothers’ albums in my studio in Westville in the ’80s. And what characters they were, especially Paul. He had us in stitches a lot of the time. I have so many stories about him.” He added: “Fly well, old son! You and your team brought so much happiness and fun to this country.”
Comedian Joe Parker said: “Truly saddened to hear this news. Sending peace and love to his family and loved ones”, while actress Lisa Bobbert, wife of Aaron McIlroy, told me: “Paul was such a character. I will miss him.”
The Blarney Brothers’ first engagement was a six-month contract from August 1974, performing six nights a week at Durban’s Astra Hotel in Russell Street. The band then played at the Pool Bar at the Lonsdale Hotel, then the Killarney Hotel, before performing on a cruise ship to Cape Town in 1976.
Later The Blarney Brothers landed a years-long deal with Southern Suns to join the hotel group’s national entertainment circuit. Who can forget their many successful stints at Durban’s Father’s Moustache, at the Malibu Hotel?
Paul McIlroy is on record as having once said: “We came in for a lot of publicity when we were invited to perform on the same bill as Pat Boone and his daughter, Debbie Boone, during their South African tour. This was in 1977, the year Debbie Boone hit the big time globally with You Light Up My Life”.
It wasn’t long after this that The Blarney Brothers made Durban their base and appeared regularly at The Barn at the Athlone Hotel, now the Riverside Hotel.
A highlight of the band’s career was a seven-part TV series, You Don’t Have To Be Irish, which was shot over a month in Ireland and shown on SABC3 in 1986. Other highlights included tours to the UK, the Far East, Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Australia.
.....SoSuterBill..... 
My late husband and I got engaged at Father’s Moustache when the Blarney’s were playing there in 1981 – RIP Paul 🙏💔
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RiP Our Favorite Uncle Paul, You are missed, X X X
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Rest easy Paul. Was a pleasure 🙏 to k oe ànd work with you. Always the gentleman.
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A gentleman who will be sorely missed RIP Paul
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I got to know the trio ( blarney brothers) by attending many of their gigs in and around Durban mainly the barn as well as all the beer festivals they performed at. The last gig I saw them do was at Gasoline alley Westmead in Pinetown at a bikers rally.
RIP Paul, you and your group brought many good and fun filled evenings to many you will be missed, condolences to the family and friends. salute.
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A Legend thankyou for entertaining all over South Africa RIP
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My name is Kevin Mulholland. My mother, Imelda was a cousin of Paul, Damien and Christine, in Randalstown. My baptisimal name is Damien, and my brother is Paul. I think my mother had the McIlroy boys in her memory when she chose names for my brother and I. We would be over in Randalstown many times in late 1960’s and early 1970’s as my mum would help in her family shop in Randalstown. Often, her uncle Neil, Paul’s father, would come into the shop. I would ask him “what car do you drive Uncle Neil?” He would answer, “a Mercedes, Kevin.” This day was about 1967, I was about 6 years old. We had to go back to our house in Antrim, a town 5 miles from Randalstown. No one was able to give us a lift. Then word came that Paul would do it. I thought he might drive up in his father’s Mercedes. No, he didn’t! He drove up in his Commer Van, which he used for his job, as decorator and for carrying instruments when the band played all over Ireland. I had to sit on the gearbox! Not actually luxury travel I was promised! I know Paul will be dearly missed by so many people between South Africa and Ireland.
My condolences to Maggie, Sean , Susan, Damien and their families.
May he Rest in Peace.
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Some of my favorite memories of my 20s were spent dancing and singing at a Blarney Bros gig
Thank you for the music and the memories
I remember you fondly
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So saddened to hear of Paul’s death.
First met Paul when he led The Newmans Show Band and performed at the Bullring.
He spent the day’s with us South Beach lifeguards and we remained in contact over the years. Our thoughts are with Maggie
Much love
Steve and Trish Clark
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My condolences to the family. I remember the group so dearly as we attended a show on a sports field in Scottborough KZN. I remember it so well and have not been to another show that I have enjoyed so much and laughed to hard that my head wanted to explode. We had so much fun and thanks to these three gentlemen they made our life more special. Thank you Paul for the joy you gave people. You are missed dearly.
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rsvp I am sure you will be missed especially on the 17 March. I love your music.
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I have so many fun and happy memories with friends at the Blarney Brothers’ shows at The Barn. Condolences to hus family, loved ones, bandmates and all who have had the pleasure of enjoying hus music.
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