Tributes paid to Stone Roses bassist Mani

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for Stone Roses bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield who died suddenly last week aged 63.

The Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist had strong routes to Kildare, and maintained a very close connection to the town since the inauguration of his Made of Athy plaque in 2018.

Mani’s mother was Anne Patricia Farrell from Knockroe, Maganey, who lived a few doors down from Johnny Marr’s mother, and who emigrated to London before settling in Manchester where The Stone Roses first formed.

Mani, along with his wife Imelda and twin sons, visited Athy in 2018 when he had a Made of Athy plaque dedicated to him, which drew huge crowds to Emily Square.

The man behind the Made of Athy project, Colm Walsh, has remained in touch with Mani since meeting him in 2018, and described the news as “shocking sad”.

Colm recalled meeting him at the graveyard where many members of his family remain on the day of the ceremony.

“He walked through the graveyard and pointed to every grave he was related to,” Colm said. “He told them who they were, how they were related. He carried this mental map of the graveyard. An amazing connection to the area.” 

Colm said plans had already been in motion for Manny to return to Ireland next year as part of a tour for his forthcoming book. 

“We had just started making arrangements. It’s very, very sad and all of a sudden.” 

He described Mani as “gorgeous… very, very funny” and the “diplomat” of his band. “He was the one that held them together.” 

Since news of his passing, locals have been visiting the Made of Athy plaque. 

“There’s been a stream of people down getting their picture taken at it ever since,” he said.

Remembering his friend, he added: “A good guy. He’s very sadly missed.”