It was in Newcastle many years ago that I first saw Sean Maguire's unique and breathtaking fiddle playing – he was quite a genius. Joe Burke and Josephine Keegan were with him then, and (I think) John Doonan and Dave Bulmer, who was a fan of Sean's. I've been in touch with Josephine since then and I must convey my condolences to her, likewise Joe too.

It was only last week, in Llantrisant Folk Club, that Rattle On The Stovepipe (Pete Cooper, Dave Arthur and Chris Moreton) were talking affectionately about Sean's mastery and his inventive and wonderful use of expletives, particularly when a novice pupil skipped his practice on the fiddle. Here's to you, Sean – as a fiddler, you kicked arse – in more ways than one.