Tomás Ó Canainn passed away on September 13th in Cork. He was born in Pennyburn 1930 on the outskirts of Derry and moved to Cork after completing a PhD in Liverpool. He was Dean of engineering at University College Cork and also taught music, taking over the lecturing duties from Sean O Riada in 1971. He co–founded NaFili with Matt Cranitch and together with Tom Barry they issued three records, their first album was Farewell to Connacht released in 1971. The harp player, Bonnie Shaljean commented on line that Tomás “was a vital presence in our musical community and is utterly irreplaceable.

A true Renaissance man, fluent in several languages, a writer and composer as well as musician, singer, storyteller, and one of my all–time favourite people to play with. His Tuesday night session in Glanmire was my first port of call when I moved here, and many a good time was had in his front room.”

Our sincere condolences go out to all his family and many friends.