The Irish music world is in shock this week, following the death on Wednesday May 7, of Leo Healy, Sharon Shannon's long-term partner. Leo, who was well-known on the music scene, died peacefully in his sleep, according to a statement issued by the family.
"The Healy family and the family of Sharon Shannon would ask for privacy and respect at this terrible time of grief," the statement added.
Leo was a brother of Kevin Healy, the well known Galway club promoter – one of a large family of twelve children. The details of the funeral were set out in the statement.
"Healy May 7th 2008 suddenly. Leo, much loved father of Jason and Sarah, beloved partner of Sharon, much loved brother of Tommy, Helen, Jimmy, Jaqueline, Karen, Kevin, Tina, David, Greg, Mike and Louise."
The funeral details, which have changed since the original statement, are as follows:
Reposing at home from 4-7pm on Saturday. Mass at 1.30pm on Sunday, Church of Christ the King, Salthill, Galway. Funeral afterwards to the new cemetery Boher More.
Sharon Shannon is currently experiencing a surge of popularity, as a result of the extraordinary success of the 'The Galway Girl' single with Mundy – which has sold over 45,000 copies to date. She has just released a new Best Of compilation, entitled The Galway Girl: The Best Of Sharon Shannon.