IRISH SINGER AND sax player Paddy Cole has died, aged 85.

The Co Monaghan native was a showband veteran, joining his first band at the age of 15 before moving onto the Capitol Showband in the 1960s.

The ‘King of the Swingers’ had a lengthy career in broadcasting, hosting a weekly music programme on Sunshine Radio, often playing much of the same music he performed live.

Cole played in many showbands throughout the 1960s into the early 2020s as a solo act. He published his memoirs, ‘King of the Swingers’, in 2020.

Cole was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2022. He continued to host his radio programme and recently told The Sunday World that he was under the care of a hospice.

He was a frequent performer on RTÉ television and on stages around the country, playing a range of pop, country, swing, jazz and Dixieland – a style that Cole encapsulated. 

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he was saddened to learn of the death of Paddy Cole, describing him as an exceptional music talent, gifted performer and a warm-spirited person. 

Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has paid tribute to the singer, describing him as a musical legend and proud Monaghan man.

“He will sadly be missed,” he said, sending his condolences to his family and loved ones.

Steven Travers, of the Miami Showband, has expressed sorrow at the loss of his peer. 

“I’m very sorry to learn that my friend and great Showband superstar, Paddy Cole, has passed away. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis,” he said in a post online.

President Michael D Higgins has also paid tribute in a statement this evening. 

“The loss of Paddy Cole is the loss of one of the founding icons of the great period of the Irish showbands,” Higgins said.

“From the Capitol Showband to the great brass sound, what Paddy Cole did for music and for jazz will be remembered across generations.”

President Higgins added that though the showband era is “perhaps one of the insufficiently recognised” aspects of the Irish music history, many places became famous for the artists they produced.

“Castleblayney, always known as ‘Blayney’, is one such place for producing Paddy.”

“Paddy Cole’s music was first class, with jazz of international quality, and Sabina and I knew and admired him as a friend. May I send our condolences to Paddy’s wife, Helen, to his children Pat, Pearse and Karen, and to all of his family, fellow musicians and many friends.”