Obit: Rory Furlong, Cardiff, 15 May 2012

Subject: Obit: Rory Furlong
From: Mick Tems
Date: 15 May 12 - 09:50 PM

Dublin-born singer/writer/guitarist Rory Furlong, well-known in his Cardiff stamping ground, died yesterday. No full details yet.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rory Furlong
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 17 May 12 - 05:30 AM

I heard this sad news last night at Llantrisant Folk Club. I checked Mudcat for an 'obit', but this had already dropped of the current page.
Refresh, &
R.I.P.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rory Furlong
From: Mick Tems
Date: 17 May 12 - 11:43 AM

Ned announced it to the Club at the end of the first half, and sang Waxie's Dargle, one of Rory's favourite songs. I think he was a singer/musician for Cardiff band Cara - in more recent times, Rory was lead singer/songwriter with The Rowdies, who consisted of folk names such as Danny Kilbride (Carreg Lafar, Taran, Yr Hwntws, Juice, The Kilbride Brothers and trac chairman), Sian Phillips (ex-Celtish), and John Turner (Rose Among Thorns, Elaine Morgan).

Subject: RE: Obit: Rory Furlong
From: Jim McLean
Date: 17 May 12 - 12:24 PM

Rory's uncles were Dominic and Brendan Behan, his father was their half brother. I had the pleasure of meeting Rory (og) with Dominic a few years ago. Sad to hear about his passing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rory Furlong
From: Splott Man
Date: 17 May 12 - 06:01 PM

This from his daughter Darcy,

‎**We are sad to announce that Rory Furlong passed away peacefully on Tuesday 15th May at 12.15am, surrounded by friends and family, following a courageous battle against the odds. Barbara, D'Arcy, Fynn and Ceri lovingly thank everyone for their invaluable support and positivity throughout.

Rory's FUNERAL will be held at Barry Crematorium at 2.15pm on Thursday 24 May. Our unconventional service will reflect Rory's non-religious spirituality and vitality. Let's celebrate his life the way he lived it and dress joyfully – blue was his favourite colour :)

The WAKE will be at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff Bay from 4.00pm. Bring your instruments, favourite songs, favourite poems or just your lovely selves ♥ ( http://www.coalexchange.co.uk/ )

Donations: Monetary donations to Ty Hafan ( http://www.tyhafan.org/ ) or donations of Victoria Sponge Cake or Trifle (Dad's favourites!) for the wake would be warmly welcomed! Love love love xxxxxxxxx**

Subject: RE: Obit: Rory Furlong, Cardiff, 15 May 2012
From: Mick Tems
Date: 19 May 12 - 05:32 AM

Danny Kilbride, Director of trac, paid this tribute on trac's website:

"Just after midnight on Monday, Rory Furlong died. Born in Dublin, he moved to Wales in 1972. He was there at the start of the Royal Infirmary Folk Club and made himself a fixture of the Welsh folk music scene. He was a great and true friend, a long-time musical partner and one of our finest songwriters.

"Those of us lucky enough to know him, work with him or witness his incredible ability to communicate with an audience will know quite what a loss it has been to Wales and the world. If you wish to remember him, the funeral will be on Thursday 24th May at Barry Crematorium at 2:15. The wake will be in the Coal Exchange, Cardiff from 4pm. Bring an instrument, a voice or a cake if you like but come along and sing him goodbye.

"For those of you who don't remember him, google Rory Furlong, look for his pages on facebook, myspace, reverbnation and the usual suspects.

"In any case, let us not forget all the contributions that all of us in Wales make to our common heritage and be thankful the world is richer for people like him and people like us.

Nos Da, Cariad. Cysga'n dawel! Oiche mhaith, codladh samh.

Subject: RE: Obit: Rory Furlong, Cardiff, 15 May 2012
From: Mick Tems
Date: 20 May 12 - 07:05 AM

From Isobel Stevenson, director of the Small Nations Festival:

Rory Furlong's funeral will be at Barry Crematorium on Thursday 24th of May at 2:15.
No formal dress please. We'd like to see some colour.
The wake will be held at the Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay from 3:30 until 10pm.
Bring instruments, voices and ditties about Rory.
There will be an opportunity for each and everyone of us to sing, dance, recite or just simply toast to Rory's memory.
Should you require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact Isobel Stevenson on 07585 553316.