Latest news with #BookofCondolence
Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Slane to open book of condolences in wake of Lord Henry Mount Charles' death
The family of Lord Henry Mount Charles have broken their silence after the death of the rock boss – saying they will open a book of condolences at Slane Castle this weekend. Lord Henry passed away on June 18 following a long battle with lung cancer. He was 74 years old. Tributes have been pouring in for the Co Meath aristocrat, and the family have decided to open up a book of condolences this weekend. A spokesman for the family said they are "profoundly moved and deeply grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support from the public and beautiful tributes in the media, since his passing." Alex Conyngham, Heir of Slane Castle, said: "We have been truly touched by the strength of public sentiment and are deeply grateful for the countless expressions of sympathy and shared memories. "Dad's warmth, spirit, and dedication to Slane, its people, and its legacy forged friendships that extended incredibly far and wide. "The depth of feeling shown is a testament to the extraordinary connections he made throughout his life." A spokesman confirmed the family will open the castle's iconic gates of Slane Castle this weekend to people who would like to pay their respects and celebrate Henry's life by signing a Book of Condolence. "The memories created within the walls and on the grounds of Slane Castle over the decades hold a uniquely special place in so many hearts, reflecting Lord Henry's own passion for heritage, culture, Slane Castle and its community. "With this profound sense of gratitude and in recognition of the shared affection for Lord Henry, the Mount Charles family would like to open their arms and the iconic gates of Slane Castle this weekend to people who would like to pay their respects and celebrate Henry's life by signing a Book of Condolence." The Book of Condolence will be available on the grounds of Slane Castle on Saturday, June 21, and Sunday, June 22, 2025 between the hours of 10am and 6pm each day. "This will be an opportunity for all those who knew Henry, enjoyed the magic of Slane, or simply wish to express their sympathies to come together in his memory at the place he loved so deeply. "As they navigate this time of loss, the family kindly requests privacy to grieve and reflect on Lord Henry's remarkable life. "They remain deeply comforted by the love surrounding them and thank everyone from the bottom of their hearts for their continued support during this difficult time," added the spokesman. Lord Henry's family described him as a "beloved husband, father, grandfather, and custodian of Slane Castle," whose "courage and spirit inspired all who knew him". "Lord Henry leaves behind an extraordinary legacy as a passionate steward of Ireland's heritage, dedicating his life to preserving Slane Castle and transforming it into a beacon of culture, music, and community. "His visionary leadership and generosity touched countless lives, while his warmth, humour, and resilience endeared him to friends, colleagues, and admirers across generations."
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Slane Castle open for public tributes to Lord Henry Mount Charles
The family of Lord Henry Mount Charles will open the gates of Slane Castle this weekend, inviting members of the public to pay their respects and sign a Book of Condolence in honour of the late music promoter and custodian of one of Ireland's most iconic venues. Lord Henry, who died on Tuesday aged 74 after a long illness, was widely credited with transforming Slane Castle into a globally recognised live music destination. His son, Alex, the Marquess Conyngham, said in a statement that the family had been "profoundly moved" by the public response to his passing. "We have been truly touched by the strength of public sentiment and are deeply grateful for the countless expressions of sympathy and shared memories," he said. "Dad's warmth, spirit and dedication to Slane, its people and its legacy forged friendships that extended incredibly far and wide." The Book of Condolence will be available to sign on the grounds of Slane Castle this Saturday and Sunday, 21 and 22 June, between 10am and 6pm. "This will be an opportunity for all those who knew Henry, enjoyed the magic of Slane, or simply wish to express their sympathies to come together in his memory at the place he loved so deeply," the family said in a statement. They also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and requested privacy as they grieve. Tributes have continued to pour in for Lord Henry, who was instrumental in bringing some of the world's biggest acts to Ireland over the past four decades. Artists including U2, Queen, Madonna and The Rolling Stones have all played Slane Castle under his stewardship. Concert promoter Denis Desmond of MCD described him as a true "rock 'n' roll icon" and a "visionary with an enormous sense of fun and a tremendous work ethic". "Henry had an enormous impact on the acts who played at Slane," Desmond said. "World-class performers would talk about him long after the final note sounded. He wanted everyone to have a great time, stay safe, and come again." Desmond recalled Lord Henry's hands-on approach, often working through the night and staying closely connected to the live music industry even during his later years in hospital. "His laugh was infectious," he added. "He had a sense of humour that often shone brightest in darker moments. Truly, we will not see his likes again."
Irish Independent
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Anger in Cork at City Council's decision not to open a book of condolence for Pope Francis
Independent Ireland Deputy Ken O'Flynn says a decision taken by Cork City Council not to open a Book of Condolence for Pope Francis is generating real hurt and disappointment among residents, 'many of whom who feel that it reflects a stunning lack of generosity and respect at a time when political leaders across the world are uniting to praise the legacy of the Pontiff' who died on Monday. 'There is simply no reason why Cork City Council cannot follow the example of City Councils elsewhere in the country who have opened a Book of Condolence- especially for people who live on the south side of the city,' said O'Flynn on the decision by the council, following the death of the Pope, who met the then-Lord Mayor of the city Tony Fitzgerald in 2018. 'I am aware that a Book of Condolence will be available at the Cathedral and that is right and proper. But we must recall that Pope Francis was not just a beloved spiritual leader to billions of Catholics, he was also a head of state, who wielded his enormous public influence across the globe and here in Ireland for the common good of the most disadvantaged. 'It is incredible that Cork City Council felt it could just ignore this political and diplomatic reality. Its failure to provide the bare minimum in terms of respect is deeply regrettable. 'I want to know how the Council arrived at this decision. Was it proposed and rejected? If so, I want to know by whom. Did it even make on to the agenda? 'The decision not to proceed with making a Book of Condolence available must be reversed immediately.' In 2005, thousands queued on the morning of Tuesday, April 5, 2005, to sign books of condolences for the former Pope John Paul II in Cork. Unlike now, two books of condolences were available in the city, both at the Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, but also at Cork City Hall. Then Lord Mayor Seán Martin was the first to sign the book at City Hall, which was left open for the week following his death. However, current Lord Mayor Dan Boyle has told the Irish Independent that he was informed by City Hall that protocol is not to open a book of condolence, and instead it's to encourage the public to sign the Book of Condolence that has been opened at St Mary's Cathedral. "First thing yesterday I checked with Corporate Affairs in City Hall about protocol on this. "We consulted with the Diocese of Cork and Ross and agreed that their having a book of condolence was importance. This morning I have signed that Book of Condolence at St. Mary's Cathedral.' In a statement given today to the Irish Independent, Cork City Council said that the Lord Mayor has sent a letter of condolence on behalf of the people to Bishop Fintan Gavin. In the letter, the Lord Mayor tells the Bishop that he is 'saddened by the loss of a leader who helped redirect and repurpose the Catholic Church towards more traditional Christian values of helping the displaced and dispossessed.' "The Lord Mayor's office was in consultation with Bishop Fintan Gavin in relation to a Book of Condolences for the Pope,' the council statement reads. 'A book of condolences has been opened at the Cathedral of St Mary & St Anne, Shandon and online. The Lord Mayor attended the cathedral this morning to sign the Book of Condolences and will be encouraging Councillors, and the wider community to sign the Book of Condolences at the cathedral.'
