Passing of well-known and respected musician Billy Greenall

Kind-hearted, much-loved, local musician Billy Greenall passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18th, in the exceptional loving care of the staff of Nenagh Hospital, following a short illness, bravely borne. 

Billy was born and grew up with his sister June in St Helens, near Liverpool. His parents were publicans and from a young age Billy often helped out behind the counter. Billy’s love of Irish music began at nine years of age, listening to radio Éireann, and to céilis outside the local hall with his friends, the Kilgannons, as they were too young to go inside. After his mother discovered his passion for music, she bought him his first piano accordion. 

A talented musician, Billy won seven All Ireland medals on the piano and piano accordion. He played in several ceilí bands: the Blarney, Liverpool, New York, Ormond and the Castlemore Céilí band to name a few.

Billy worked as a clerk for Pilkingtons Glass in St Helens for many years, and in 1963 he emigrated to New York, where he worked for Lufthansa Airlines. He returned to St Helens in the 1970s to look after his elderly parents. He taught music in Ashton-in, Makerfield and Earlstown. Sean McCabe and his four siblings attended the music class, along with many more. Billy arranged countless Irish trips for his class to Gormanstown, the Culturlann and to the annual All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil.

It was on one of the return trips from a fleadh in Listowel that Billy stopped the bus to eat in JKCs and introduce the pupils to his dear friend Nora Butler. Little did Billy realise then that he would eventually live, teach and play music in Nenagh. He also decided to pay a visit to his old friends Paddy and Carmel Ryan (née Nolan), and their family in Grenanstown, Toomevara. Carmel had trained as a nurse and worked in The Providence hospital in St Helens. The friendship was rekindled and for many a year Billy visited Grenanstown with sometimes large groups from his music class. A lot of relationships were formed during these trips, including with Sean and Margaret Hurley, Carmel’s niece from Lorrha. 

In 1994, Billy decided to retire to Nenagh to be near his dear friend, Sean McCabe, and his family. He taught many pupils in and around Nenagh and encouraged them to join in sessions in the Railway Bar, Rocky’s and Larkins.

Billy loved the music session, and often spoke of how the session in Larkins in GarryKennedy was the highlight of his week. Billy, Brendan Quin and Sean McCabe played there together for a long time, and were joined by many local musicians and singers. To Billy, music and friendship went hand in hand. He often accompanied his dear friend Nora Butler in a song or two.
He was a naturally gifted music teacher, who dedicated his life to passing on his love and passion for traditional Irish music. He was an inspiration to so many young musicians both in England and in Ireland, and finally in Nenagh. He is laid to rest in Youghalarra graveyard.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.