by Louise Doyle
A NEW album set to be released later this year will poignantly feature the work of talented Ramelton musician Paul Mooney, who lost his life in a car collision just over one month ago.
Paul, aged 30, late of Glen Lower, died in a two-car collision on the N14 Letterkenny to Lifford Road at Carrickballydoey just days before Christmas, on December 18.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Paul’s best friend and Boy M5 bandmate, Kyle O’Neill, has reflected on the enormity of his loss and how he made the decision to continue with the band in his honour.
“Losing Paul has been an overwhelming experience. Personally, it has been a month of profound grief and reflection. Paul was much more than a bandmate; he was my best friend, confidant and collaborator. His absence has left a void that’s hard to articulate. The entire community, especially the arts scene, is reeling from this loss. We’re supporting each other, trying to find ways to honour his memory and legacy in our daily lives and work,” said the Letterkenny man.
Boy M5 started as a personal journey in late 2019 when Kyle was in the UK. It transformed into a full-fledged band when Kyle moved back to Ireland during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The stars aligned because, as fate had it, Paul had also moved back home.
Boy M5 was promptly formed and went on to achieve meteoric success.
“I reached out to Paul, an old friend and an incredible musician. Our reunion was as if no time had passed, quickly re-igniting our musical chemistry. With the addition of our drummer, the band’s dynamic was complete. We started gaining traction rapidly, headlining at prestigious events like the Stendhal festival, topping New Music Charts, and earning accolades from notable publications like Hotpress.”
Kyle revealed how, sadly, Paul did not get to witness one of the band’s most significant milestones when they were named one of the top 20 Acts To Watch in 2024 in The Irish Times.
“In the aftermath of Paul’s passing, I seriously questioned the future of Boy M5. I pondered over the possibility of continuing without him, which felt almost unimaginable at first. However, conversations with Paul’s and my own family, along with our friends, led to a unanimous sentiment – Paul would want me to finish what we started together. We had been working on an album, and thankfully, Paul’s ‘scratch tracks’ (place holding/ demo recordings) remain, capturing his essence and contributions. Completing and releasing this album has become not just a goal but a mission to honour him, something I’m wholeheartedly committed to achieving this year.”
Kyle said Paul gave him strength during a personally difficult time for him when he was experiencing health challenges. Again, music proved the common denominator.
“To Paul, music was his lifeblood. He lived and breathed it. A poignant memory that stands out was during a challenging period last year when I was grappling with health issues, and undergoing several surgeries. Feeling despondent, I questioned the point of it all, and Paul’s reply was as genuine as it was moving, ‘Music! That’s what the point is, and that’s why we’re here’. His words were a beacon in my moment of doubt, reinforcing how deeply music was ingrained in his soul.
“Paul was not only my best friend but a source of constant positivity and unparalleled musical talent. His laid back demeanor and ability to lighten any mood were truly unique. He was the calmest person I’ve ever known, and even our disagreements were resolved with a sense of humour that left everyone around us amused and often surprised. He had this remarkable ability to see the lighter side of things, making our bond stronger and more resilient.”
Asked what he believed Paul’s legacy will be, Kyle said Paul will be remembered for his musical prowess as much as for his kindness.
“His ability to connect with people through his music, his infectious enthusiasm, and his gentle spirit will be remembered by everyone who knew him or heard him play.
“Musically, Paul leaves behind a rich tapestry of work that we had the privilege to create together. His influence is embedded in every note and lyric of our songs, a testament to his extraordinary talent and vision.
“Beyond his musical contributions, Paul’s legacy will also be defined by the impact he had on our community. He had a unique way of bringing people together, of nurturing young talents, and of being a relentless supporter of local arts. His spirit of generosity and mentorship has inspired many and will continue to influence aspiring musicians in our community. In Boy M5, we aim to carry forward his legacy, not just in our music, but in our actions. We aspire to reflect his passion, his kindness, and his dedication to the craft.”
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