Tributes to musician and trade unionist Mel

He died peacefully in Craigavon Hospital on January 13, having fought the battle of Covid-19.

He fought many battles over his lifetime, mostly on behalf of others.

With his wife Fiona, they have two children Sean and Michael and a granddaughter Nancy.

Mel, who lived in Lurgan, played a massive role in the trade union movement across Ireland.

He was also a very talented banjo player and singer.

He regularly played with his Blue Grass band on Saturday afternoons at the Corner House Bar in Derrymacash.

Musicians and trade unions from across the globe have also paid tribute to Mel.

Roger Clifford said: “The Craigavon Trades Council is reeling at the news of the passing of former President and stalwart member Mel Corry.

“Mel was a committed trade unionist and communist, an Educator and class warrior working in the service of his class.

“He worked tirelessly on anti-sectarianism projects and provided help and employment rights advice to many many people.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Fiona, his sons Sean and Michael, his mother, sisters and grand daughter Nancy.

“He will be greatly missed by all in the Trade Union Movement.”

Trademark Belfast said: “Our hearts are breaking, our friend and comrade Mel Corry has passed away after a battle with Covid.

“Our love and thoughts are with his wife Fiona, his boys Sean and Michael, his mother, sisters and grand daughter Nancy.

“Mel was a committed trade unionist and communist, an inspirational teacher, a passionate bluegrass musician and composer, a talented young boxer in his day, a defender of workers who made a lasting contribution to the peace process. He worked tirelessly in the service of his class and was and remains an exemplar of the incorruptible working class.

“Gone too soon comrade ❤Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.”

Campaign group Save Craigavon City Park and Lakes said: “We are very saddened to learn of the death of Mel Corry following a battle with Covid. As many of you know, Mel was a great supporter of our campaign and spoke very eloquently on our behalf at our first public meeting. We send our sincere condolences to all of his family and friends. Rest in peace Mel.

From the music industry, Tony O Brien said: “I lost a friend of 30 years with the death of Mel Corry. Mel passed away at 5.30pm and has left a great void in the Irish Bluegrass Family.

“I met Mel at the 1st Athy Bluegrass Festival in 1991 and we were firm friends ever since. Mel was a member of the 1st Woodbine line-up in 2002 and even though he was only in for one year he filled in with the band on many occasions.

“Mel shaped a lot of bands in Ireland this past 30 years, Seldom Herd, The Dusty Millers, The Tennessee Hennessee and King Blue. Mel was at the end of my phone any time I needed him to play or for some advice.

“A great banjo player and vocalist he was at the heart of everything Bluegrass in Ireland over that past 30 years. To me Mel and a small core of Bluegrass musicians were the leaders of Bluegrass Ireland and everyone else were the supporting cast.

“He was a great friend to the Athy Bluegrass Festival and I’ll miss him so much. I was so looking forward to an end to this Covid so we could all meet up for a big session but it has robbed us of that so if and when it happens now there will be a huge hole in the session with the loss of Mel.

“As much as I and every Bluegrass musician & fan will miss Mel it is nothing to the loss his wife Fiona, sons Sean & Michael and Grand-daughter Nancy will feel, my heart is with them at this the saddest time in their lives. RIP Mel old friend.”

Mr Corry is mourned by his wife Fiona, children Sean and Michael, daughters in law Amy and Orlagh, granddaughter Nancy, wider family circle and many many friends and colleagues.

Due to current circumstances the house and funeral are strictly private.

The family asked for family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired to Alzheimer’s Society c/o Jack McLearnon & Son Funeral Directors 75 North Street Lurgan BT67 9AH.

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