Just received the very sad news that veteran Clare concertina player Sonny Murray passed away yesterday afternoon, Sat. 14th November.
Originally from West Clare, Sonny spent some time in London during the 1950s trad years before moving back to Ennis where he has resided ever since. He sadly lot his wife Frances some years ago which was a particularly sad blow to him as they were one of the closest couples I had ever known.
The title "gentleman of music" is often used but nowhere could it be more appropriate than in Sonny's case. Not only could he be seen performing at top level in concerts, fleadhanna cheoil (particularly Fleadh Nua where he was always a key figure) seisiún shows or Comhaltas tours of North America, but he was equally at home in Ennis in a group of junior musicians giving them assistance and encouragement.
I had the pleasure of meeting him. When I first met him he was surrounded by kids learning the music at a session he and a few other fellas were leading for young players--one of my favorite experiences in Ireland. It was nice to see how the tradition is passed down. What a lovely and generous man he was. RIP
Details on Sonny's removal and funeral arrangements are shown on the Clare FM site as follows:-
Reposing at Kennedy's funeral home Ennis on Monday from 5-30 with removal at 7-30 to Ennis cathedral.
Funeral mass on Tuesday at 10 o'clock with burial afterwards in Drumcliffe cemetery.
As a mark of respect the AGM of Clare County Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann scheduled for tonight (Monday) has been deferred until Monday night next, November 23rd.
Phantom Button:
"he was surrounded by kids learning the music..." I was one of those kids...I learned so much from him, I'll miss him a lot. I wanted to visit him recently but he wasn't up for any visitors. He was cute alright, always asking me to 'go for a walk' with him, haha. There's a lovely video of us all playing in St Joseph's Hospital for Céili House some years ago on YouTube, I'll see if I can find it.
Sonny Murray RIP
Sonny Murray RIP
Just received the very sad news that veteran Clare concertina player Sonny Murray passed away yesterday afternoon, Sat. 14th November.
Originally from West Clare, Sonny spent some time in London during the 1950s trad years before moving back to Ennis where he has resided ever since. He sadly lot his wife Frances some years ago which was a particularly sad blow to him as they were one of the closest couples I had ever known.
The title "gentleman of music" is often used but nowhere could it be more appropriate than in Sonny's case. Not only could he be seen performing at top level in concerts, fleadhanna cheoil (particularly Fleadh Nua where he was always a key figure) seisiún shows or Comhaltas tours of North America, but he was equally at home in Ennis in a group of junior musicians giving them assistance and encouragement.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
# Posted on November 15th 2009 by Bannerman
Re: Sonny Murray RIP
I had the pleasure of meeting him. When I first met him he was surrounded by kids learning the music at a session he and a few other fellas were leading for young players--one of my favorite experiences in Ireland. It was nice to see how the tradition is passed down. What a lovely and generous man he was. RIP
# Posted on November 15th 2009 by Phantom Button
Re: Sonny Murray RIP
"Gentleman of music"! ~ will be missed but the spirit of such wonderful music and character will go on...
# Posted on November 15th 2009 by ceolachan
Re: Sonny Murray RIP
Details on Sonny's removal and funeral arrangements are shown on the Clare FM site as follows:-
Reposing at Kennedy's funeral home Ennis on Monday from 5-30 with removal at 7-30 to Ennis cathedral.
Funeral mass on Tuesday at 10 o'clock with burial afterwards in Drumcliffe cemetery.
As a mark of respect the AGM of Clare County Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann scheduled for tonight (Monday) has been deferred until Monday night next, November 23rd.
# Posted on November 16th 2009 by Bannerman
Re: Sonny Murray RIP
He was a great man and is now happily re united with Francis his wife and playing tunes up above, Will be at Funeral tonight to pay respects
# Posted on November 16th 2009 by ronoco
Re: Sonny Murray RIP
condolences as well to his son, who is a nice whistle player and a welcoming sessioner.
# Posted on November 17th 2009 by ceemonster
Re: Sonny Murray RIP
Phantom Button:
"he was surrounded by kids learning the music..." I was one of those kids...I learned so much from him, I'll miss him a lot. I wanted to visit him recently but he wasn't up for any visitors. He was cute alright, always asking me to 'go for a walk' with him, haha. There's a lovely video of us all playing in St Joseph's Hospital for Céili House some years ago on YouTube, I'll see if I can find it.
# Posted on November 18th 2009 by meadhbhboyd