‘A great friend of Kilkenny’ – tributes pour in for legendary entertainer Pat Shortis
HUGE numbers are expected to attend the funeral of one of Kilkenny best-loved musical sons and Freeman of the city, Pat Shortis, this week.
The musician will be buried in his beloved city on Friday after he passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family at the age of 98 at his home in Newpark yesterday.
Pat Shortis was known throughout the city and county, both as a solo performer and as one half of the Wetlands Orchestra.
He was also well known for the huge amount of time hee to local charitable causes.
Among the many tributes paid to the legendary musician since news of death emerged yesterday was one from the Newpark Residents Association.
They said on social media: “We are sad to announce the passing of our friend and neighbour Pat Shortis. Pat was a great friend of Kilkenny and did Trojan work helping charities. For years anyone organizing a Cabaret and hoping for success would contact Pat Shortis. And he never let them down.
“A man of honesty and integrity he was the beating heart of Newpark and on numerous occasions rallied to the aid of the community. Pat had a fund of knowledge and a few years ago in association with Martin Rafter of Kilkenny Leader Partnership Pat recorded his memories of Kilkenny and they are stored for posterity in Kilkenny County Library.
“Newpark is sad today as we mourn but we recall some great fun filled days and nights when Pat led our community in celebration. Our thought at this sad and lonely time are with Pat’s family and his wide circle of friends.
Rest easy dear friend.”
Pat Shortis’ remains will repose at Johnston’s Funeral Home on Thursday from 4.30pm, with Funeral Prayers at 6.15pm followed by his removal to St John’s Church.
Requiem Mass will take place on Friday at 10.3am, with burial afterwards at St Kieran’s Cemetery.
Pat, beloved husband of the late May, is survived by his children Seán, Mary, Helen and Patrick, sons-in-law Chris and Gairie, daughters-in-law Mags and Eileen, grandchildren Kim, Bláthín, Seán Óg, Caroline, Patrick, Megan, Ellen May, Padraic and Joe, great-grandchildren Cara May, Iollan, Fionn, Shiro, Iseult and Cillian, his great friend Nan, nephews, nieces, extended family and a wide circle of friends.
