Sadness as well-known Nenagh singer and all-round entertainer Joe Hackett passes away

There was sadness in music and entertainment circles in Tipperary this week with the news that singer and entertainer Joe Hackett had passed away.

Joe, who was a regular singer in Rohans Bar in Nenagh, on Wednesday nights as well as and the Kenyon, also played with many local bands, including MINT Jazz group.

Whenever major acts came to Nenagh Joe would often be asked to join them on stage such was his singing ability and repertoire.

Well able to introduce a song and with a magnificent tenor voice, Joe commanded a hush whenever or where ever he sang, whether that was in a pub, at a wedding or performing onstage.

Joe spent some time in the UK, with many from across the water offering their condolences to his family and friends.

Indeed, legend has it that Joe was once offered a concert at the London Palladium in his younger days when Irish musicians would travel to Britain during Lent as dance halls and concert halls closed here in those by-gone days.

However, Joe had been unable to take up the offer and the gig went to an up and coming singer called Frankie Ifield. 

Joe passed away peacefully in the care of the staff at Rivervale Nursing Home on October 9.

Deeply regretted by his loving partner and best friend Margaret, his brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews cousins, relatives the staff and residents at Rivervale Nursing Home, Nenagh, extended family, neighbours and his many great friends.

His funeral Mass was due to take place in St Mary of the Rosary, Nenagh, this Wednesday at 11am, with burial after in Lisboney new cemetery.