Legendary Irish sax player Paddy Cole dies at age of 85

Legendary Irish saxophone player and singer Paddy Cole has passed away at the age of 85.

The musician and radio presenter had been battling incurable lung cancer since 2022 and had been receiving hospice care.

Cole, who had just celebrated his 85th birthday on December 17, was a veteran in Irish showbusiness for seven decades after joining his first band at the young age of 15.

Cole is a native of Castleblaney, Co Monaghan, lived in Dublin, and is survived by his wife Helen and their three children, Pearse, Pat and Karen.

Recently, Paddy opened up about his health, sharing that he “never thought” he would get to the age he did.

“In recent years I never thought I would get as far as 85. It was something else when I did, it really was,” he told the Sunday World.

The legendary folk band The Fureys shared a heartfelt statement on social media, paying tribute to their “good friend”.

We have just heard of the sad passing of our good friend Paddy Cole after a long illness. He was a great musician, entertainer and radio presenter.

“I remember him on TG4 Television after our brother Paul passed away speaking in Irish about Paul.

“Our condolences to Helen and all his family. May he rest in Peace. Paddy pictured here with us, Brendan Shine, Dominic Kirwan and Emily Shine.”

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