Chris Bradley: Country music stars among mourners at Derry drummer’s funeral after M1 crash death

Mr Bradley's funeral took place at St Patrick's Church, Keenaught, on Thursday morning.

Described by Father Dermot McGirr as a "talented drummer, and a good man and friend", the late father-of-two passed away following a car crash on the M1 motorway in Co Louth at around 2am on Saturday.

He had played in country music legend Declan Nerney's band, and a small drum kit was amongst the items brought to the altar in the Desertmartin chapel to commemorate the 33-year-old, alongside a Gaelic football, St Martin's GAC jersey, and a photo collage of Mr Bradley with his loved ones.

Musicians, crew members and stage technicians from across Ireland's country music industry attended Thursday's service, with Co Tyrone star Philomena Begley singing the mass' opening hymn.

Father McGirr detailed Mr Bradley's life, explaining how as a young child, he grabbed his mother Monica's saucepans and wooden spoons, "and was beating out a rhythm with other children in the park walking behind him, following the leader".

When he got older, kitchen utensils were replaced by a small drum kit, with Mr Bradley's father Mario, who was also a drummer, tutoring him in the musical art.

He then went on to play drums in his father's band, The Pendulum, while his dad moved to the guitar.

Mr Bradley had played drums in school events and studied music at length.

He became a plasterer, but "it wasn't for Christopher", and he "set his own path", taking up the drums in a professional capacity.

He played for many bands before getting noticed by Declan Nerney, who was inducted into the ICMA Hall of Fame on the Late Late Country Music Special last Friday.

Mr Bradley went on to travel a lot, making music across the island of Ireland, on cruises around America and the Mediterranean, and at concerts in Spain.

In his younger years, he was a goalkeeper for his local GAA club, St Martin's GAC, and as an adult, he was a devoted husband to his wife Gabrielle, whom he married in 2018, and was a loving father to his children, Darcey and Brogan.

"Christopher had a very big heart, loved Gabrielle and adored their two children," continued Father McGirr.

"Family was important to him and he lived next door to his parents."

Mr Bradley was further described as "a kind and friendly entertainer who got on with people no matter where he went" and "a people person; friendly and easy with others".

"He had a great sense of humour and so enjoyed being in the middle of the party."

A drum kit was among items brought to the altar to commemorate Chris Bradley

He was also remembered for 'taking a while to come off stage following gigs' as he enjoyed chatting with other musicians at length.

Mr Bradley was the youngest of five siblings.

He is survived by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, his wife and two children.

Attendees at Mr Bradley's funeral mass also prayed for the recovery of his two bandmates, Jerome McBride and Bob Hunt, who sustained injuries in the road collision on Saturday and were transported to hospital in Drogheda.

It is understood the men were en route back from a gig in Naas, Co Kildare, when tragedy struck.

Declan Nerney lost another former drummer, Martin O'Connor, to a previous hit and run accident in Florida.

It was reported he was allegedly hit by a BMW car while crossing the street with two friends in February 2015.

The BMW fled the scene.

Tributes for Mr Bradley have been pouring in from across the music scene and beyond since his passing at the weekend.

He has been described as a "true gentleman and brilliant drummer" by Daniel O'Donnell[1].

Fellow Derry musician Robert Colhoun also described Mr Bradley as a "good friend and brilliant drummer", adding "I just can't believe it has happened, he was a true gentleman".

References

1. ^ described as a "true gentleman and brilliant drummer" by Daniel O'Donnell (www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk)