Brother’s touching tribute to Omagh entertainer John Taggart

MOURNERS gathered at the Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday for the funeral of John Taggart, where his older brother Seamus delivered a heartfelt tribute to the man affectionately known as ‘White Head’.

Recalling fond memories of their childhood in Gallows Hill and John’s successes in both music and business, Seamus began: “Born on August 29, 1951, my brother would have been 74 on his next birthday.

“He was the youngest of five, and was affectionately known as ‘White Head’ because he had fair hair as a baby.”

Seamus remembered John’s love of animals, and the mischief it sometimes caused in the family home.

“He once pleaded with our father to get a dog. It came from a farm and was totally unsuitable for a small estate like Gallows Hill but it was John’s favourite.

“He even took it to the Omagh Show, convinced his Irish Wolfhound-Collie mix would win first prize.

“Needless to say, it caused havoc and had to be taken home.”

Seamus also spoke of his brother’s short-lived sporting career when they were at school.

“John was a wonderful musician, but not a sportsman,” he joked.

“Our brother Pat and I made the football team at school, but John didn’t.

“When the PE teacher assumed he was next in line, John was ordered to join training – despite his protesting.

“They were playing hurling, but John’s coordination wasn’t very good and he managed to injure two of the best players, ruling them out for the season.”

Seamus spoke of John’s passion for music and his commitment to the family shoe repair business, which he took over at age 21.

“It was always business by day and music by night, where his true love lay.”

He also paid tribute to the care John received at Hillcrest Nursing Home as Parkinson’s disease began to take its toll.

“When he was in Hillcrest, I visited one day and his room was empty,” recalled Seamus.

“He was in the lounge, playing guitar and singing one of his old favourites – ‘Sweet Caroline’.”

Concluding his touching tribute, Seamus said, “How would I sum up John? There was an article on the Ulster Herald website this week titled ‘Farewell to Omagh’s Mr Entertainer’. That just about sums John up.

“God bless, little brother. Thank you for a wonderful, sweet journey.”

His words were met with roaring applause from those gathered.