The funeral of legendary Dublin singer Dickie Rock, who died last week aged 88, took place in Dublin today.
Rock’s remains were brought to the Church of the Most Precious Blood in Cabra West this morning, before being carried inside to the sound of his hit single, ‘Come Back to Stay’.
The singer’s friend Fr Brian D’Arcy concelebrated his mass, alongside Fr Paul Thornton.
Paying tribute to Rock, Fr D’Arcy said that the musician meant many things to many people, adding that going to see him perform would help you to forget your problems for a few hours.
Fr D’Arcy also said that Dickie Rock only wanted to make people happy, using his God-given voice and talent to do so, even helping to take Ireland from a very dark place thanks to the showband era.
The priest stated that the bands carried electricity, cars, as well as opening up dance halls to get people out of their own areas, and express themselves.
He also said that Dickie was a wonderful rock-and-roller, even upstaging Cliff Richard.
At the mass, a series of gifts were also brought to the altar, including a microphone, a photo of Dickie with his beloved wife Judy, who died two years earlier.
Tributes Paid To Rock
Dickie Rock was a father of six children, including his late son Joseph who died in 1992, who was also remembered at his funeral.
Another son, Peter Rock, paid tribute to his father, insisting that he was much more than just the man on stage. He was a man who suffered such huge loss when his son Joseph died, a man grieving for his death, while also trying to help his family through their suffering.
Peter also told mourners that the death of Judy, Dickie’s wife and Peter’s mother, was truly devastating for him, stating that he was not the same after that, as she was the love of his life.
He also added that he was proud of his dad and everything he achieved.
Dickie’s daughter Sarah and daughter in law Ruth Rock did funeral readings, while Ben Rock, Tony Murray, as well as Mia & Aisling Rock read prayers of the faithful.
Producer and presenter Aonghus McAnally attended the funeral, as did Liveline presenter Joe Duffy, and fellow showband performer & close friend Ronan Collins.
President Michael D Higgins was represented by his Aide-de-Camp Paul O’Donnell.
