Irish Singer-Songwriter Johnny McEvoy Dies Aged 81, Manager Confirms
Irish singer-songwriter Johnny McEvoy has died aged 81 at his home in Greystones, Co Wicklow, his manager Darren Farrell confirmed. The Co Offaly performer, whose Muirsheen Durkin reached number one in Ireland in 1966, will have a private funeral, his children said.
Irish singer-songwriter Johnny McEvoy has died aged 81, his manager Darren Farrell confirmed on Monday, November 9, 2026. The Co Offaly performer passed away peacefully at his home in Greystones, Co Wicklow, on Sunday.
Johnny McEvoy was born in Banagher, Co Offaly. He began singing at the age of four and turned professional at 18.
He rose to prominence in 1966 when Muirsheen Durkin reached number one in Ireland. The Boston Burglar and Nora were among the songs that followed.
Over a career spanning six decades, he also became known for writing songs including Long Before Your Time, Michael and The Planter's Daughter. He wrote The Planter's Daughter for his late wife, Odette.
Family statement
His children, Jonathan and Alice, issued a statement. "Dad's music meant so much to so many people, but to us, he was just Dad. We're so grateful for all the love shown to him over the years," they said.
The funeral will be private. It will be attended by family, close friends and some of those he worked alongside over the years. The family asked that their privacy be respected.
Manager's tribute
Farrell spoke on RTÉ Radio 1's The News at One. He said he was "a little bit numb because this actually has come quite sudden" and had only learnt of the news the previous evening.
Farrell began working with McEvoy in 2005 and took over his management around 2007. He said he travelled with the singer to every date, whether an interview, a concert or a trip abroad.
He remembered McEvoy as "a very private man" who stayed quiet when offered awards. "His legacy speaks for itself," Farrell said. "He had number one hits. He had top 10 hits in the UK."
Farrell said that after he relaunched McEvoy and the singer wrote a book about his life, people again asked him to play in all corners of the world. "My phone has been hopping all morning," he said.
Mick Foster of Foster and Allen paid tribute on RTÉ Radio 1's The Oliver Callan Show, calling his friend "a legend". Foster said McEvoy was one of the first entertainers to speak openly about mental health in the 1990s and his experience of depression.
