Musicians from around Ireland pay tribute to James Byrne
Musicians from all corners of Ireland gathered in Glencolmcille yesterday, Monday, to bid farewell to one of the country's best known and loved musicians, James Byrne from Meenacross, Glencolmcille, who died suddenly on Saturday.
The church of St. Columba's was packed to capacity, with people standing outside in gale-force winds and rain to pay their last respects to a true gentleman of music. Mr. Byrne, age 62, was one of the most influential fiddle players in the Donegal style. He was also known for his tremendous store of traditional tunes and the stories that were attached to them.
Affectionately known as "the Beirne," James Byrne has left a legacy of traditional music which he has passed on to the younger generation, a fact remarked upon by Rev. Father Samus Gallagher, CC, Leitirmacaward, who con-celebrated the funeral Mass with co-celebrants Rev. Father Daniel McBrearty, CC, Glencolmcille and Rev. Father Paddy Molloy of the Millhill Fathers.
Father Gallagher described James Byrne as a unique individual, and said they were there on Monday to give back to God one of the greatest gifts he had given to the Glencolmcille area. He described James Byrne as "the mahatma" of Glencolmcille, a gifted soul, a good friend, a loving father, a good neighbour and a good companion in life to his partner, Connie. A man of music, culture and tradition had been lost to them but his music would live on in the younger generation to whom he had passed on his unique gifts.
Margaret McGinley from Meenacross, speaking in Irish on behalf of the family, described James Byrne as "an extraordinary person who was happy living a simple life."
Upwards of 50 musicians played in the church during the Mass. Solos were delivered by all-Ireland singing champion Rita Gallagher, and Dermot Byrne of Altan and Tommy Peoples played musical solos.
James Byrne was laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard, where the musicians played fitting musical tributes despite the gale-force wind and rain.
He is survived by his partner, Connie, and daughters Merle, Aisling, Sarah and Shauna.
Mr. Byrne regularly took part in Ceol sa Ghleann, a project in Glencolmcille that also includes the Feile Ealaion Traidisiunta Ghleann Cholm Cille, and he held masterclasses at Cairdeas na bhFidleiri Donegal Fiddlers Summer School. Earlier this year Mr. Byrne accompanied musicians from Glencolmcille who were between the ages of 82 and 92 for a series of concerts, called The Glen Road," to celebrate the traditional music, song and dance of south-west Donegal.
"James Byrne was one of the great heroes of Irish traditional music," said Mary Cloake, director of the Arts Council. "His technique and style of playing were exceptional and his death is a great loss." She said Mr. Byrne "embodied the values of his art, passing music and culture on to future generations, and inspired many players"
In a 1999 interview, Mr. Byrne said he was pleased to see that more musicians were picking up the old style. "At one time I was getting a bit worried that it was disappearing, that there weren't many people left with this old style at all," he told Fiddler Magazine. "But in the last few years again, younger people have taken up the style. There's quite a few of them now that's got the style very well."
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Weather for Donegal
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South
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