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Written by John McCullagh
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Saturday, 08 November 2008 |
It is with great sadness that I report the sudden death in his native Glencolumcille, Donegal of that beloved county's most eminent fiddler.
 James Byrne is on the right of this photo: Martin McHugh (pictured) played a lament at his interment yesterday
Regular readers will recall frequent references to him here in the past, (e.g. here ) as your editor likes to spend as much time as possible in the company of these good people. And James Byrne was simply the best of the best!James leaves behind a wife who is currently battling with a serious illness and three lovely daughters - all of them wonderful fiddle players too.
Your prayers - as always - are requested.
James Byrne in Feckers: photo by Rik Walton (Ta, Rik!)
I am just returned from three days of mourning in Donegal.
At the Mass, the local priest described James as 'the Mahatma of the Glen '- our cultural father and guiding light. He was an extraordinary man who was happy to live a simple life. My heart almost broke to see his three beautiful and gentle girls play the role expected of them in the circumstances. I thank God that this much was granted to him.
There will doubtless shortly be a Tribute Night which I will attend for certain.
I hope many others will too and be generous in support of Connie and the girls.
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