HE never said much; preferring instead to let his music do the talking.
And although he had lived in the very heart of Killarney town for most of his adult life, where he was a very familiar figure, very few people really got to know David Stone, who passed away this week.
That’s how he liked it. Introverted, shy, private and inoffensive, music was his life and in that respect, he lived it beautifully.
Head shaved, eyes shielded behind dark shades, double denim his preferred dress code, David was instantly recognisable as he set about his few tasks in town, his loyal and obedient Doberman Pinscher and black labrador by his side.
A master of the piano keyboard, his private life was in sharp contrast to his public persona and over many years he entertained thousands of visitors to Killarney, as well as locals.
Dubliner David, who was in his late 60s, first came to Killarney in 1969 for an audition to play with top local singer Dermot Flynn who was the resident entertainer in the Danny Mann lounge for over 10 years. He immediately made the town his home.
“He was the stand-out musician we met and he got the job straight away,” Dermot reflected this weekend.
Together they toured America, playing in Boston, Pennsylvania and several other States and performing for film stars, senior church figures and even astronaut John Glenn.
Dermot and David also recorded a hit record, Memories of Killarney, in 1970 and it was hugely popular with visitors who wanted a great souvenir of their holiday in the town.
With Dermot’s brother, Ned, they formed a new band, The Successors, and were in big demand for weddings, socials and other many functions.
“I knew him like a brother. We had great times together and I will never forget the happy days we spent in America,” Dermot told KillarneyToday.com.
David went on to continue his career in music as part of the live music act in the lounge at the back of The Laurels bar and restaurant.
He was an absolute wizard on the piano keyboard and as was blatantly obvious to all that would have heard him perform, he was a musician right on top of his craft.
He stood on The Laurels stage alongside Dick Willis, Tim Brosnan and Mike Sexton – three of Killarney’s finest entertainers – and always gave a masterful performance; head bowed, concentrating completely on his music and looking almost oblivious to the hundreds of eyes watching him play.
His night’s work over, he would walk his dogs and return home to Old Market Lane to a house always filled with music and technology.
David Stone has been called home to another place this week. His remains will repose in O’Shea’s Funeral Home from 5.00pm to 6.00pm on Sunday with Requiem Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral at 10.30am on Monday followed by burial in Aghadoe Cemetery.
