Funeral to take place of prominent business person

There was widespread shock and great sadness across the region following the death of popular local businessman and musician Nigel Pratt at the weekend.
Mr Pratt, of Drumconnick, passed away at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin on Sunday last, January 13.
A talented audio technician and described as “before and of his time”, Mr Pratt was perhaps best known for his shared role in running Telecare on Townhall Street, along with long-time business partner, Ray Fay.
Having worked for several years before that in Bernie Mastervision at the top of Bridge Street, the duo started Telecare together in 1981 where Mr Pratt was an ever-present and welcoming fixture of the business.
Mr Pratt’s unique skillset also saw him credited with helping build several radio broadcast studios across the country, from involvement the local Cavan Community Radio (CRR), to radio studios as afield as Midwest Radio 3 in Athlone and Highland Studio in Donegal.
He was further involved in the first ever outdoor radio broadcast with Northern Sound, which took place in Ballybofey in a game between Donegal and Cavan.
Indeed, Mr Pratt, an avid Country music fan, built his own recording studio at his family home in Drumconnick, where during the 70s and 80s he recorded a plethora of local rising stars, from Kathy Durkin to Pat McGeegan, of Eurovision Song Contest fame, and father of boxer Barry McGuigan.
Mr Pratt was also a talented musician in his own right, playing the bass with his own band ‘The Blend’, touring with Paddy Cole and Kathy Durkin, as well as filling in with the Louis Blessing’s Jazz Band in the late 80s.
Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Ray Fay paid tribute to the late Mr Pratt, recalling that in 30 years working together they never had an argument.
“For a partnership that’s probably not the norm. But that was Nige. He was a gentleman, very accommodating to work with. He was a very wise man, always very thoughtful and a person to always work things through.”
Mr Pratt married wife Helen on February 14, 1987, and the couple are widely known and highly regarded in the community.
Mr Pratt was predeceased by his late parents, Belder and Annie Pratt and his sister, Shirley Sheriff. He is survived by his darling wife Helen; brothers Bram, Belder and Bertie; sisters Beryl, Dorothy and Valerie; in-laws; nephews; nieces; grandnephews and grandnieces; his colleagues in the music Industry, all his relatives and his many, many friends.
Resting at the McMahon Funeral Home, Farnham Road, Cavan, on Thursday evening from 4pm until 8pm. Funeral service takes place Friday in Kilmore Cathedral at 2pm, followed by burial in Kilmore Parish Graveyard.