Country star Declan Nerney 'devastated' as 'magnificent drummer' is killed in crash

Irish country music star Declan Nerney has said he is 'devastated' following the death of his 'magnificent' band drummer, Christopher Bradley, in a Co Louth crash early on Saturday morning, October 14.

Christopher Bradley, from Desertmartin, was a passenger in a car that was involved in a collision with a tractor at around 2am on the M1 northbound between Junctions 12 and 14 at Mooremont.

Two other men, in their 20s and 60s, who were travelling in the same vehicle, were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries believed to be non-life threatening.

Mr Bradley, who was in his 30s, was a drummer for Irish country music star Declan Nerney.

Declan, who just the previous week was inducted into the Irish Country Music Hall of Fame, said 'it is with great sadness that I relay the news that our good friend and colleague Chris Bradley passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, October 14 in a tragic car accident in Co Louth'.

The Longford star continued: "Chris was a magnificent drummer and above all that an even better colleague and friend. He was the life and soul of the party, always lit up a room with his great sense of humour and a powerful legion of fans."

He added, "While we are all so devastated by this sad news we must keep his heartbroken wife Gabrielle, two children - Darcey and Brogan, Parents, siblings and extended family members in our thoughts and prayers. May god give them the strength to get them through the dark days ahead."

Declan concluded, "We must also keep our other two band members Bob and Jerome who were also involved in this horrific accident in our thoughts and prayers and wish them a speedy recovery. I would like to thank you all for your kind messages and support at this very dark time."

It is understood Mr Bradley was returning from a dance in County Kildare with his bandmates when the tragic crash happened.

Country music stars have tonight paid tribute following the dad-of-two's tragic death.

Tyrone singer Barry Kirwan took to Facebook to express his condolences.

“I can’t believe I’m even writing this post,” he said.

“Only two weeks ago I was sitting chatting with Chris out at the hooley in the sun about life, our wives and our kids and about how much we were enjoying life as daddy’s.

“How cruel the world can be that you were tragically taken last night.

“You wouldn't have met a more genuine man than Chris Bradley. This world has lost a gent of a man and the country music scene has lost such a talented drummer.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Chris’s wife Gabrielle and his two beautiful children. Also thinking about Chris’ band mates Bob, Jerome and Declan. Condolences to the wider Bradley family.

“Go rest high Chris. Rest in peace my friend.”

A spokesperson for broadcaster and media production company Keltic Country TV said: “Everyone in the Irish country music world are shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of outstanding musician Chris Bradley. Everyone at Keltic Country are keeping his family and band members in our hearts and prayers.”

Meanwhile, Desertmartin GAC has suspended all its club activity as a mark of respect.

A club spokesperson said: “The club would like to offer condolences to the Bradley family on the passing of Christopher.

“We extend the deepest sympathies to all his friends and family, wife Gabrielle, daughter Darcy, and son Brogan.

“Christopher, his brothers Liam and Dermot, and nephews Michael, Fearghal and Lorcan, are all past and present playing members. His parents, Mario and Monica, and sisters Fiona and Laura are all devoted supporters of the club and are regular match attenders.

“At this time of great sorrow, we will suspend all club activity until further notice and put an arm of solidarity around the family.”