I am so sorry to hear of Frank's death. I loved learning songs from his old LPs, as his singing style put the song and its story up front. I wish that I could have attended the Augusta Festivals at which he taught, as Melissa commented about above. He was truly an inspiration to unaccompanied singers, for his vast repertoire, depth of knowledge about the songs and for his delight and generosity in sharing his songs with other people.

My two favorite memories of him are from the late, lamented Washington (DC) Irish Festival. One was a workshop that featured him and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Karan Casey singing songs they learned from Frank, with exquisite songs and stories from all three. Frank was just beaming, being flanked by two such attractive young women (although Ms. Casey was in her purple hair phase...) with such gorgeous voices.

The other was from the same festival, a set he did at the pseudo-Pub Stage. At the end of his set, he brought up his grand-daughter, sat her on his lap, and the two of them sang Molly Malone together, as wonderful an illustration of passing along the music as you'll ever see.

He leaves a big hole in the scope of Irish music. Surely St. Peter will have a place in heaven for such a fine singer...

I passed my brother and cousin:
They read in their books of prayer;
I read in my book of songs
I bought at the Sligo fair.

When we come at the end of time,
To Peter sitting in state,
He will smile on the three old spirits,
But call me first through the gate

Rest you merry, Frank.