October 21, 2001

I just received a email from Susanne Kalweit with this very sad news:

“It is with great regret that we have to inform you that Derek Moffat, founder member of the McCalmans and a great friend and colleague died  peacefully in his sleep at 6.25 this morning, Sunday, October 21st. after a long and brave battle with illness. He will be sorely missed.”

Nick Keir

Friday, August 16, 2002

This from the Scottish Daily Record (courtesy of Robbie Murray)

CORRIE RON TO BOW OUT
SCOTS folk legend Ronnie Browne has shocked his fans by suddenly retiring. Ronnie said he has played his last gig and insisted there will be no comeback. Ronnie and Roy Williamson, who died 12 years ago, made up the Corries and will always be linked with the nationalist anthem Flower of Scotland.

Ronnie, 65, said: “I am happy to bow out quietly.”

January 15, 2003

The Dubliners celebrated their 40th Anniversary in 2002 with a tour (including appearances by both Ronnie Drew and Jim McCann), as well as the release of 2 CDs and a video/DVD.

Unfortunately, Jim McCann was forced to leave the tour due to very serious health problems. Visit Terje Øye's Dubliners' site for Jims press releases. I would like to wish Jim a very speedy and full recovery.

On the subject of the Dubliners, I recently tracked down a copy of the documentary "Luke". A brilliant film and a must see for anyone with an interest of Irish folk music—(in my opinion, as someone already took exception with my opinion). Try Claddagh Records for a copy.

April 2, 2003

Ray McAreavey informs me the surviving members of the Wolfhound are getting together on April 12th and 13th to play 2 memorial gigs for Danny Burns. According to Ray, It will be the last ever re-union. Gogie is coming from Greeenland, Kieran from England, Malcolm Rodgers is coming from London and a host of guest performers will also be there. The 2 shows sold out in a couple of days through word of mouth only. We could have held them in a much bigger place, but the venue is the Andersonstown Social Club, where we played all the time.

Derek Warfield is still creating controversy after all of the years. An Ulster Unionist politician complained to Aer Lingus for spotlighting Derek as part of their in-flight entertainment.  The following is from  Breaking News.ie: As a result of that complaint, the  Irish State airline, with flights from Ireland to major American cities, has taken the music of Derek Warfield of the Wolfetones off the in flight channel that has played his music for almost three years. Irish state airline Aer Lingus has pandered to the sensibilities of unionist politicians and removed rebel and republican songs from its in-flight entertainment on trans-Atlantic flight, it was revealed tonight.

Aer Lingus Customer Relations
Email: customer@aerlingus.com
Ireland Tel: 00353 1 8863200

The Fureys (George and Eddie) and Davey Arthur are in the midst of their 25th Anniversary celebration tour which includes a series of concerts throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Absent are brothers Paul, who died in June 2002 and Finbar who declined the invitation to join the tour. Augmenting the band are musicians Derek McCormack, Stephen Leech and Monty Mooney.

For more on Finbar visit his website.

Monday, July 7, 2003

Rita Watchorn, webmaster for the Sons of Erin Band (formerly “Irish Band Brog”), sent sad news of the passing of Eamonn ORourke. Eamonn had been a familiar face on the Dublin ballad scene for many years—with stints in the Jolly Beggarmen, Moonshine and (his last) 2 years with Patsy Watchcorn. He had spent time in Canada and his brother, Dennis, was a member of the Barleycorn. Eamonn died of cancer and was only in his 50s. Our condolences go out to Eamonn's family.

Thanks to Peter from www.patsywatchorn.com for the additional information. Photo courtesy of Rita Watchorn.