I got a chance to have a chat with Micheal a few years ago in Ennis when he did a concert with Paddy Glackin a couple of years back. Himself and Paddy made a record called Ath Chuairt around that time. Micheal was one of the people who convinced me that there was indeed a role for the guitar in traditional music and had a huge influence on my playing style. I was glad I had a chance to thank him for that. As was said above he was a very modest man and was much more interested in talking about guitars and things in general than listening to me waffling on about how great he was.

We heard this news in Miltown Malbay on Sunday and we played some of his music and remembered him. Deepest sympathy goes to Mairead & Triona and other family members who have had more than their fair share of bereavements in recent years.