Michael Buckley, Father of Country Star Jimmy Buckley and Greyhound Trainer Pat Buckley, Dies at 87

Michael (Mike) Buckley, the father of Irish country music star Jimmy Buckley and prominent greyhound trainer Pat Buckley, has died peacefully at University Hospital Limerick on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the age of 87.

The news was announced by Jimmy Buckley on social media, who described his father as a “loving and generous dad to us all.” He noted his parents shared over 60 years of marriage and that his father took immense pride in his eight children and numerous grandchildren.

A Life Celebrated

Mike Buckley was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Josephine, and his brothers James, Jack, Bill, and Chris. He is survived by his wife, Mary, sons Michael, Pat, Jimmy, and Tadhg, daughters Siobhán Kinane, Anne Hayes, Molly Maher, and Mairéad English, as well as his extended family including sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

His son, Pat Buckley, is a leading greyhound trainer with over 36 classic wins to his name . Jimmy Buckley is one of the most recognizable names in Irish country music.

Funeral Arrangements

Reposing will take place at Whites Funeral Home, Doon (V94 D450) on Friday evening, March 6th, from 4 pm to 7 pm. A Requiem Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, Doon, on Saturday morning at 11:30 am, followed by burial in Doon cemetery.

The Requiem Mass will be live-streamed at www.churchcamlive.ie/doon-parish-live-stream.

The funeral is expected to draw a large crowd from the worlds of country music, greyhound racing, and the local community.