The Scattering
On the 8 August, this year, a cavalcade of ten cars travelled through the winding roads of the Burren to the slopes of Mullaghmore for a special farewell to a dear friend. All the occupants of the cars were either family or friends of the late Kevin Taylor, the well-known London accordeon and piano player who died on 14 May 1998. Many had known Kevin from their time in London, some had played with him in the Thatch Ceil Band, most renewed their acquaintance annually with him at the Willie Clancy Summer School and the Paddy O’Brien Week.
His widow, Eileen, decided to scatter Kevin’s ashes in the Burren as she felt that he was always happy and peaceful whenever they visited the area. It turned out to be an entirely appropriate choice as the setting was perfect with the sun shining and all his musician friends playing his favourite tunes to celebrate his life. Eileen spoke a few well chosen words as she scattered the ashes assisted by her daughter, Imelda and grandson, Daniel.
Among the friends were: Eamonn McGibney, Larry Gavin, John and Mary Kelly, Mick, Ann and Liam O’Connor, Jock and Mary Burns and their children, Maeve and Donn; Ita Neylon, Angela and P. J Crotty, Tom and Catherine McGorman and children: Ruraí and Fergus: John Galvin, Jacinta McEvoy, Tommy and Kathleen Mc Carthy, Bobby Casey and Ian Roome.
After the ceremony the group returned to Vaughan’s of Kilfernora where they spent the evening playing music and reminiscing with the Taylor family. For most of the people present this was the first experience with the scattering of the ashes of a close friend and it was unique and dignified as is in keeping with the charachter of Kevin Taylor.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dhílis.
