'OUR HERO'
Irish Eurovision star dies after health battle as family pay heartbreaking tribute to ‘amazing dad and person’
FORMER Irish Eurovision contender Roy Taylor has died after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
The family of the former Jump the Gun frontman confirmed his passing with a post on Watch Your Back MND - a phrase coined by Roy in his campaign to raise funds for research into the disease.
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The post said: "It is with deep sadness we wish to announce the passing of our dad and hero Roy Taylor.
"Through his infectious positivity over the last number of years, he achieved so much in the fight against MND.
"His work has helped the world get closer to be free of MND. And for that, we are bursting with pride.
"An amazing dad and amazing person and an amazing musician.
"To everyone who supported us, you all know who you are. We love you all and he loved you all."
Last year, Roy said he was 'thrilled' to be releasing the song 'Music's Door' with his 'dear friend' Finbar Furey.
At the time he said: "You can help us raise much needed awareness for MND by downloading Music's Door on iTunes so that those unfortunate enough to be told 'I'm sorry, it's MND, can also be told...but we have a cure for that now."
"Until then I'll keep doing what I love to do, being creative and making music with my family and friends for the MND community. Watch your Back MND"
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In recent years he also released a heart-breaking duet with his young daughter Ella and advised Charlie Bird to 'laugh more than cry' when the celebrity was diagnosed with the disease.
"The idea is to fill your day with more smiles and laughter than sadness and tears. That's how you stay in the ring and keep the fight going."
The song with Ella which he dedicated to all MND warriors was named 'I can't wait 'til tomorrow cause I'll love you even more' after a nightly exchange he had with his daughter since she was 12.
Roy, who represented in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1988 with Jump the Gun, singing Take him Home.
He had been living in Dundalk, Co. with his family for over 20 years and was the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association's Ambassador for their annual Drink Tea for MND tea morning
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