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Newry people came out in their hundreds today to say a final farewell to the legendary Mickey Doran, the former lead guitarist with the Hilton Showband. Bandmates from his musical career joined his family and many friends for his Requiem Mass in St Catherine's Dominican in the city.
Paying tribute Father Ruaidhrí Grieve highlighted his faith, musical talent and playful joy, and spoke of the young Mickey buying a guitar and spending much time on Ballyholland Hill learning to play it.
Fr Grieve added "For Mickey music was a living language, a way to communicate and give expression to his own playful joy, wonder and gladness." adding that, thanks to his job as a Dental Technician he became known as the 'Tooth Man' "helping others to smile, both inside and out."
Mickey's daughter Nicola spoke of the family's privilege in being able to say "Yes Mickey Doran is my dad"
She added "Outside of family, the Hilton was the greatest love of Mickey's life, and no matter in life how much he forgot, he always remembered every band member, every gig, and every one of his beautiful and beloved guitars. he was simply so incredibly talented and always so generous with his talent. He knew he was lucky, and he felt lucky every day of his life."
Following the Funeral Mass his remains were taken for burial to St Mary's Cemetery where members of the family played a graveside tune.
