Funeral takes place in London of Longford man Eugene Devaney

The death occurred, after a long illness, at The Sandon Care Home Windsor, Berkshire, on Monday, January 9, 2023 of Eugene Devaney, London and formerly Garvagh, Ballinalee, Co Longford.

His funeral took place in West London Crematorium, Kensal Green, London on Friday, February 10. It was conducted by Father A Allen.

The ceremony began with a rendering of I Fall Apart by Rory Gallagher.The eulogy was delivered by his son Shane in which he revealed that his father emigrated from Longford to London in 1971 and that he worked in the building industry and resided in West London.

He stated that his father was into rock music, it was his major interest and that Phil Lynott, Rory Gallagher and Zak Starkey were his friends as well as a host of Irish, British and United States rock stars. He was also a friend of the soccer legend George Best.

Eugene is survived by his son Shane, Berkshire; his sister Eileen, Torquay, Devon; his brothers Brendan, Stirling, Scotland and Paul Kilburn, London; nieces and nephews and grandchildren in Ireland and England.

His brother Brendan was proprietor of The Volunteer Pub in Baker Street, London where The Longford Association in London held its meetings for many years.
Eugene's son Shane also performs with Zack Starkey. The ceremony ended with the Beatles classic ‘Let it Be’.

A wake followed in The Masons Arms in The Harrow Road which was attended by many people from Longford. A film was shown which depicted Eugene’s involvement with the famous rock stars he was involved with. And there were many renditions of his favourite songs.

For a person who died well into his seventies, it was a unique wake as most wakes are devoid of the celebration of a person's life. Deepest Sympathy is extended to his family and friends.

Tribute by Jim Curran, former London Correspondent Longford Leader