The music world is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars, Paul Mooney, who died in a car crash on Monday evening. Mooney, who was in his early 30s, was a talented musician and a member of the popular band Boy M5. He also performed as a solo artist under the name Mooney. He was known for his catchy songs, charismatic stage presence, and warm personality.
Mooney was a passenger in a car that was involved in a two-car collision on the main Letterkenny to Lifford Road in Co Donegal, Ireland. The drivers of the other cars were also injured, but not seriously. Mooney was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A postmortem was conducted on Tuesday morning to determine the cause of death.
Mooney’s family, friends, fans, and fellow musicians have expressed their shock and sadness over his sudden and tragic death. They have paid tribute to him as a “brilliant beam of sunshine”, a “loving son and brother”, a “gifted artist”, and a “kind and generous soul”.
Who was Paul Mooney?
Paul Mooney was born and raised in Ramelton, a small village on the banks of the River Lennon in Co Donegal. He was the son of Gwen and Morgan Mooney, and had two sisters. He attended St Mary’s National School and Loreto Community School in Milford. He developed a passion for music at a young age, and learned to play the guitar, piano, and drums. He also sang in the school choir and participated in local talent shows.
Mooney moved to Dublin in 2019 to pursue his music career. He joined Boy M5, a five-piece band that played a mix of pop, rock, and indie music. The band gained a loyal fan base and performed at various venues and festivals across Ireland and the UK. They released their debut album, “Five Alive”, in 2021, which received positive reviews and charted in the top 10. Some of their hit songs include “Shine On”, “Take Me Away”, and “Don’t Let Me Go”.
Mooney also embarked on a solo project in 2022, using the stage name Mooney. He released his first single, “Sunset”, in June 2022, which was a summer anthem that showcased his smooth vocals and upbeat melodies. He followed it up with “Moonlight”, a romantic ballad that featured a duet with Irish singer-songwriter Niamh O’Connor. He was working on his debut solo album, which was expected to be released in early 2024.
Tributes paid to brilliant musician Paul Mooney after death in local crash – https://t.co/jR6SjHeRG9 pic.twitter.com/6Qsz3A61aV
— Donegal Daily (@DonegalDaily) December 19, 2023
Mooney was also involved in various charitable and social causes. He supported the Irish Cancer Society, the Irish Heart Foundation, and the Irish Red Cross. He also participated in campaigns to raise awareness and funds for mental health, homelessness, and climate change. He was an advocate for diversity and inclusion, and spoke out against racism, sexism, and homophobia. He was a role model and an inspiration for many young people, especially in his hometown of Ramelton.
Reactions
Mooney’s death has sent shockwaves through the music industry and the public. Many people have taken to social media to express their grief and condolences.
Paul Mooney was a musician who had a passion for music and a zest for life. He was a talented and beautiful soul, who touched many lives with his music and his kindness. He was a brilliant beam of sunshine, who brightened up the world with his smile and his voice.
He was a legend and a hero, who inspired many people with his achievements and his character. He was a son, a brother, a friend, and a star, who will be missed by many and remembered by all. He was Paul Mooney, and he will live on in our hearts and in our songs.
