A funeral home is not usually where one expects to hear the strums of a guitar and the tapping of feet as a wake goes on.

But, at the wake of Peter Cresswell, one of Fermanagh’s most esteemed musicians one was taking place.

Mr. Creswell, a celebrated guitarist who played in numerous bands over the years including: 'Gene and the Gents', 'Bobby Angelo and the Tuxedos', 'Terry Page and the Pageboys', 'Pat McGuigan and the Skyrockets', and 'Ulysses'.

A break from the traditional wake took place yesterday evening [Thursday] at the funeral home of Marcus Madill Funeral Director in Enniskillen.

There were tears, both sad and happy as people remembered beat and sympathised with his family.

But the music played on, as Pete would have wanted as photo albums and other personal items remembering the good times were passed around. A small display of 'Gene and the Gents' memorabilia exhibited by Phillip D’Arcy was also on display and drew much attention from those who sympathised with Mr. Creswell’s family.

The musicians began with Liam Johnston, Henry Pierce, and Eamonn McFarland who played a range of songs including ‘Wish You Were Here’ by Pink Floyd.

Later, they were joined by Shauna McMorrow, Niamh Carney and Philana Nolan and the musicians performed a range of songs including folk music such as ‘Beeswing’ and ‘Will Ye Go, Lassie, Go?’.

(Video filmed with permission from the Cresswell family)

The women and others had enjoyed playing music with Mr. Creswell as part of folk nights over the year in Blakes of the Hollow, Enniskillen.

Former students of Mr. Creswell’s as well as friends, neighbours and family sympathised with Mr. Creswell’s daughters, Janis and Judy and the extended family.

A celebration for the life of Mr. Creswell took place at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan today [Friday.] Mr. Creswell’s musical legacy no doubt will leave a mark on the town, as one of those remembering him last night at the wake said: “Everyone knew Pete, all the generations.”

Born in Kingston in London, Mr. Creswell moved to Fermanagh 60 years ago to join 'Gene and the Gents', he lived in Ballinamallard at the time of his death and made Fermanagh his home, immortalising it in his popular song, ‘Enniskillen Town’.

'Enniskillen Town'

“Oh in Enniskillen Town, in that County called Fermanagh;

That's my home, That's my home, That's my home.

Now I'd really like to stay, soon I've got to go away;

That's my home, That's my home, That's my home.”