Ryanair pilot’s charity single tribute to friend

RYANAIR’S chief pilot at Prestwick airport has released a charity single in memory of fellow airline pilot and close friend Eamon Wall.

Eamon Wall, s Ryanair pilot who died of cancer in January, will have a charity single released in tribute to him. Picture: Contributed

• Chief Ryanair pilot Sean Kelly to release chrity single in tribute to former colleague, who died of cancer in January

• Passing “left a huge hole” in lives of family, friends and colleagues

• Proceeds from Drive Her on (The Ballad of Eamon Wall) to be donated to Carlow Kilkenny Home Care Team

Ryanair pilot: Charity tribute. Picture: PA

Base captain Sean Kelly, who is a keen guitarist, wrote Drive Her On (The Ballad Of Eamon Wall) to pay tribute to his former Ryanair colleague, from Callan in County Kilrenny, who died from cancer in January aged 55.

Capt Kelly said: “I had the pleasure of both playing music and flying with Eamon, and witnessed at first hand his sublime talent for both.

“His passing has left a huge hole in the lives of his family, friends and colleagues and none that met him will ever forget him.

“When he passed away, we had a night here in Scotland for all those who couldn’t make his funeral. On that night I played Drive Her On, a song I had written about Eamon that seemed to capture his spirit.

“It went down so well that we decided to release it as a charity single.”

Capt Kelly, from Mauchline in Ayrshire, said the proceeds would be donated, at the request of Capt Wall’s family, to the Carlow Kilkenny Home Care Team.

The voluntary organisation, which provides specialist care to cancer patients and their families, looked after him in his last weeks.

Capt Wall’s daughter Andrea said: “Thanks Sean. A lovely song. RIP Dad.”