'Kindest, soundest' DJ to be laid to rest

The sun will shine a little less brightly over Cork tomorrow as the heartbroken friends and family of late Leeside DJ Mark 'Beanzy' O’Brien say their final goodbyes.

Mr O’Brien, who was in his 30s, was found unresponsive in a tent on Sunday morning at the Love is a Stranger music festival at Ballyvolane House in Castlelyons. Emergency services were alerted shortly after 11.30am and rushed to the scene. However it is understood Mr O’Brien had already passed away by the time they arrived.

He will repose at Wilton Funeral Home, Sarsfield Road today, Thursday, from 5-6pm. A cremation service will take place at 4pm tomorrow at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy.

A popular DJ with a large circle of friends, Mr O’Brien’s death has sent a devastating shockwave across Cork, particularly within the electronic music community. Fellow Cork DJ and long-term friend, Ian McGinley, described Mr O’Brien as one of the most dedicated and supportive people you could meet.

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He said: “I've known him for about, I don't know, maybe 17, 18 years thereabouts. Got to know him through the scene in Cork.

“He'd come up and just start chatting and introduce himself. We'd have been swapping records and having the chats. I mean, his dedication to vinyl was unreal.

“Anything he played would have just had so much soul in it. As you can imagine, a lot of people are very...it has sent a shock through the community.

“He was just so loved just for being the kind of guy he was you know? Just always there to give,” added Mr McGinley.

Another local DJ and friend of Mr O’Brien, Eamon O’Sullivan, described him as “everyone’s pal” and a “truly brilliant DJ”.

He said: “If everyone living in and around Cork city made a list of the kindest, soundest, and most caring people they knew, I’d wager cash money that Beanzy would be at the top of most people’s lists.

“I’ll always treasure our late night discussions about our favourite records and our debates (sometimes heated!) about the advantages and disadvantages of playing wax over CDJs.

“Beanzy was one of us, and we’ll never be the same without him,” he added.

Out of respect for those affected, Love is a Stranger organisers cancelled all scheduled closing performances on Sunday.

A statement read: “As a small team, we are absolutely devasted to learn of the death of a festival attendee at Love is a Stranger today. Our thoughts are with the individual's family, friends, and loved ones at this extremely difficult time.

“We are assisting An Garda Síochána and the emergency services in every way possible, and will not comment further while their inquiries are ongoing.

“We would like to thank the emergency services, our crew, volunteers and attendees, and hosts for their support and understanding.”

Mark 'Beanzy' O’Brien leaves behind his heartbroken mum and dad, Julie and Tom, siblings Keira, Jake, and Sophia, and niece Nora, as well as extended family, colleagues, and a wide circle of friends.

His cremation service will be live streamed via a link on rip.ie. His family have asked that any donations be made in lieu to Cork Simon Community.