Westlife's Nicky Byrne bids farewell to his 'hero' father

Since his son's career kicked off, Nicky Byrne's dad had begged him to perform Elvis Costello's hit song, Please Stay, with Westlife.

And to end an emotional memorial service in Baldoyle at the weekend, the heartbroken singer granted his father's wish, singing the poignant words "please stay, please don't go" before breaking down in tears.

His dad - a musician and singer on the cabaret scene, and the inspiration behind Nicky's musical ambition - passed away suddenly last week after a suspected heart attack.

In a heartfelt speech the 31-year-old paid tribute to "a true gentleman and the coolest dad."

"He could never cramp our style. I remember one day he put all his power into passing a Porsche out on the motorway just to prove it was cool."

Nicky, who acted as a pallbearer, later joined his three Westlife bandmates at the altar for an emotional rendition of You Raise Me Up.

Photo: © Rex