Northern Ireland

Arty McGlynn (75) remembered as 'one of Ireland’s finest guitarists'

Arty McGlynn was a leading figure in folk and traditional music circles
Arty McGlynn was a leading figure in folk and traditional music circles Arty McGlynn was a leading figure in folk and traditional music circles

TRIBUTES have been paid to "one of Ireland’s finest guitarists" following his death yesterday aged 75.

Arty McGlynn, from Omagh, Co Tyrone, died at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen following a short illness.

A well-known figure on the traditional and folk music circuit, he had played with some of Irish music's biggest names including Liam O'Flynn, Christy Moore and Van Morrison.

Born into a musical family in 1944, he was given a guitar by his mother at the age of 11 and went on to develop an accomplished technique.

A respected soloist, accompanist, composer and arranger, McGlynn spent most of the sixties and seventies touring with some of the country's most popular showbands before returning to Irish traditional music.

In 1979 he released the classic album McGlynn's Fancy.

The guitarist and his partner, Nollaig Casey, established a successful career in performance, composition and arranging and released two albums, Lead the Knave and Causeway.

Their music has also featured on film soundtracks, including Moondance and Hear My Song.

In 2016, Arty McGlynn was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by TG4.

He is survived by his wife, their two daughters and his three sons.

Broadcaster and Irish News columnist Lynette Fay last night described him as a "legend".

"Pioneer, virtuoso, producer, with a wry wit. It was an honour to know him and work with him many times. He has left his mark on generations of musicians. Thoughts with Nollaig and his family at this time," she said..

Cork Folk Festival also tweeted that Mr McGlynn was one of "Ireland’s finest guitarists".