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Doonican, who grew up in Waterford on the southeast coast of
Ireland, was the star of his own show on the BBC from 1965 to
1986, featuring his own performances and those of guest artists.
He had started writing music from an early age and had been
touring as part of various groups with limited success until in
1963 he appeared on Britain's main variety TV program of the
day, "Sunday Night at the London Palladium".
That one eight-minute spot transformed his fortunes, prompting
Doonican to say many times that he had become "an overnight
success after 17 years."
His jumpers became his trademark along with the rocking chair
from which he often performed and his show launched numerous
artists' careers including that of Irish comedian Dave Allen.
Doonican stopped performing in 2009 after over 60 years in
showbusiness. He was a keen golfer and watercolour painter. In
June 2011 he was recognized by the Mayor of Waterford and
bestowed the Freedom of the City of his home town.
He leaves behind his wife Lynn, daughters Sarah and Fiona and
two grandchildren.
(Reporting by Stephen Addison; editing by Michael Holden)
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