A Donaghcloney man who was deeply respected in the band scene has passed away just days shy of the biggest day of the year in the parading calendar.
David ‘Davy’ Orr passed away suddenly at his home in Donaghcloney on July 10. He was the dearly loved husband of Ann and a devoted daddy of Donna, Larissa and Kirsty.
Leading tributes, the band with which he was a member, Blackskull Orange & Blue said: “It is with deepest sadness that we have to advise of the passing of Davy Orr suddenly this morning.
“Davy was a long time much respected original member of Blackskull and the Orr family has significant links to the band.
“His granddaughter Ellie is currently in our Colour Party and many other family members have also paraded with the band over the years.
“Davy was also scheduled to accompany us on our trip to the Battlefields of France and Belgium in 2026 alongside other family members.
“Today we mourn his loss and we think especially of his wife Ann and all the family at this most difficult of times.
“We will continue our plans to parade tonight [Thursday July 10] at the LCR Bonfire and also our home village of Donaghcloney tomorrow night as per the wishes of Davy’s family.
“As we do so, our Colour Party flags will be furled with black ribbon as a mark of respect.”
David’s former band, Downshire Guiding Star Flute Band also paid tribute, saying of their former bandmaster: “The band is devastated to hear of the sudden passing of David Orr.
“Davy was dedicated former member and bandmaster of the Downshire Guiding Star Flute band, and although he left he was still a fierce supporter of the band and attended our anniversary dinners.
“He was also a member of Blackskull Orange & Blue in more recent times and well known throughout the band scene in our area.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Safe in the arms of Jesus.”
A death notice described David as the dearly loved husband of Ann, devoted daddy of Donna (and her partner Damian), Larissa (and her partner Gary), Kirsty (and her partner Kieran), much loved granda of Ellie, Caleb, Riley and Lacey, loving son of the late William and Phyllis and cherished brother of Philip, Stephen, Carl, Esther, Mark and Geoffrey.
The funeral cortege will leave from his home on Sunday July 13 at 1.15pm for a service in Donacloney Presbyterian Church at 2pm followed by interment in Tullylish Presbyterian Burying Ground.
