I was saddened to hear of Dave Shannon's passing. An exceptional guitar player, he was one of the stand-out musicians of the Belfast scene in the 1960s – first with Folk Union and then with in a duo with Sam Bracken.

He was also generous with his talent and frequently offered advice to aspiring guitarists – never in a "clever Dick" way but with a modesty and grace typical of Dave.

My condolences to his wife Linda and son Davy.