I am sitting here at work with tears in my eyes having just read this horrible news.

Joe was one of the stalwarts of Manchester Comhaltas when I was growing up in Liverpool in the 70's and 80's and so I knew him from inter-branch concerts and fleadhs.

When I was taken to the Jolly Angler in 2000(?) after being out of the music scene for thirteen years or so at home with kiddies, it was lovely to meet up with Joe again and hear his wonderful singing.