Oh my word. Right from the early 90s Ron was my hero and the hero of my missus and children. He could do traditional Irish music like the best of 'em, or he could infuse it with uncompromising rock 'n' roll. Ron could do it all, fearlessly and superbly. He fell out big time with the exploitative music industry and shied away from it many years ago. He was impossible to categorise which meant that he never really got the recognition that his blazing talent deserved. I met him too, Dick, and that night was so memorable that I can even tell you the date (Oct 1 1993, since you ask, at The Tree Inn in Bude!). His politics were in line with Christy's and Dick Gaughan's and his sentiments were in line with his mate Shane. I have a cherished copy, probably one of very few in existence, of his album Galway to Graceland, which I bagged very early and which never really got out of the traps. I'll be playing it non-stop for a day or six! Sad to say, he must be on his way...