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ALEC FINN, ONE of the founder members of traditional music group De Dannan, has died aged 74.
Finn was a famed bouzouki player with the band and was one of the members of the band when they released their eponymous first album in 1975.
At that time, the band consisted Finn, Frankie Gavin, Johnny McDonagh, Charlie Piggott and Dolores Keane
Dé Dannan went on to record almost 20 records spanning five decades.
They became, along with bands like Planxty, Moving Hearts and the Chieftains, among the foremost proponents of traditional Irish music.
De Dannan also performed and recorded with some of Ireland’s most famous singers including Mary Black and Maura O’Connell.
Tributes from within the music world and beyond have already been paid to Finn since his death this morning.
Frances Black / TwitterI'm deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Alec Finn, one of the founding memories of the brilliant traditional Irish group De Dannan.I've very fond memories of going to many De Dannan gigs down through the years,my condolences to Alec's family & friends.
— Frances Black (@frances_black) November 16, 2018
Rest in peace Alec🌹 pic.twitter.com/vWK6cRahz6
President Michael D Higgins said this afternoon that Finn “helped bring Irish music to the attention of a global audience”.
Alec Finn was also a distinguished solo artist and session musician, playing on a variety of string instruments, but always bringing his famed sensitivity and skill to every performance. It has been a privilege to know Alec Finn. Sabina and I send our deepest condolences to his family, colleagues and friends, in the full knowledge that Alec Finn’s music will live on and continue to inspire countless people around the world.
Finn was born in England and grew up in Yorkshire before making his home in Galway where he had family roots.
ITMA / TwitterSad news reaching ITMA this morning about the death of Alec Finn. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. [Photograph taken by Stephen Power.] pic.twitter.com/xEQs2iAsdt
— ITMA (@ITMADublin) November 16, 2018
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Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin agus Alec Finn ar shlí na fírinne taobh istigh de coigís. Is tabháchtach ar gceol, cothaigh í. Mo chuid smaointe leis na teaghlaigh agus a gclainne.
Great musician. rip.
Was just looking at a documentary about him on TG4 this week. it was repeated a few nights before. strange. RIP.
My thoughts go out to his beautiful family left behind. He was a true legend in Galway, a much loved man, father and husband. My he rest in peace and may his friends and family find the strength they need right now. This is very shocking news to see this morning.
Very sad. His album Blue Shamrock is just beautiful to listen to.
What a nice person. So sorry he is gone. Great musician silenced. RIP Alec and thank you
Sad loss. A great performer.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
My little girl loves that song my irish molly, have it on a tape in the car and we both sing along to it. Rip
De Dannen! The only diddly I die music I ever liked to listen to! R.I.P Alec Finn!
A true gentleman and revolutionary figure in Irish music. RIP.
I was able to see De Dannan with Him in the band… He even had the same instrument in the picture I took of the band in the picture I took. https://www.picfair.com/pics/08035084-de-dannan
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