It is with immense sadness that Howth Singing Circle learnt of the passing of our President Willie O’Connor this morning. A Howth fisherman, lifeboatman and seaman all his life, Willie was central to the HSC and was held in the highest regard around the coast and among the singing community. He had a unique style, a good humoured presence cheering any company, and ever a yarn and a smile. Deepest sympathies are extended to his family.

Arrangements :  Saturday 10th December at 10 am at the Church of the Assumption, Howth.

We will also postpone tomorrow night’s HSC to 15th.

Please feel free to forward this message.

Fare well, Willie, and here’s your favourite song

GOODBYE, OLD SHIP OF MINE

One day by the docks I was straying.
By the quayside I happened to be,
When I overheard someone saying
To an old ship just in from the sea:

CHORUS:
Goodbye, old ship of mine.
No more you’ll cross the line.
Well, your days are through sailing on the blue.
Goodbye, old ship of mine.

Well that quayside I’ll always remember,
And those words that I happened to hear.
They came from a voice soft and tender,
And in each word was a tear.

Well, your logbook I’ll always remember
In memory of you, Mary Ann.
I’d give the whole world to save you,
But I’m just a poor sailing man.

When they break you up at dawn,
In the yard where you were born,
Oh, they’ll break a part of a poor sailor’s heart.
Goodbye, old ship of mine.

So goodbye, old ship of mine,
For the sake of Auld Lang Syne.
Your name will live on ’til the day you’re gone.
Goodbye, old ship of mine.