Martin McHugh passed away in Roscrea, County Tipperary, on February 9th after a long battle with cancer. Martin was raised in Glasgow, he was one of the famous McHugh family, with their roots in Donegal, The family’s connection with North Tipperary, which remains as strong as ever, came about when Martin’s father Jimmy befriended the accordion player Paddy O’Brien.

Martin was a genial gentleman, a keen bodhrán player and a leading light in the after hours sessions at the Jimmy McHugh festival, which is held in Glasgow every January. Martin was an avid Fleadh follower, and although he was gravely ill, he determined to attend the Fleadh in Ennis last August, where he was, as ever, in the thick of the music. We extend or sympathies and condolences to his family and many friends in the traditional music world.