Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)

Subject: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 10:00 AM

This just in from Paul de Grae

We mourn the passing earlier today of Seamus Creagh: fiddler, singer,
storyteller, friend, gentleman and gentle man.

Another good man gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: The Sandman
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 10:54 AM

oh god,that is terrible.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: Deskjet
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 01:53 PM

Sad news indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: Austin P
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 02:03 PM

Very very sad. I met him in the late 70's at a session in a pub in Lisdoonvarna (I think it was) when I was but a nipper; he was nothing but kindness and encouragement to a callow young English lad bashing away in DADGAD ...

Yes, another good and irreplaceable one gone.

A fine and wonderful man and a terrible loss.

AP

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST,wanda crocker newfoundland
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 07:58 PM

A wonderful man and a fiddler in his own league. he will be missed but his music will carry on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: Declan
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 08:00 PM

Very sad news indeed.

I didn't know Seamus well, but any time I met him I found him to be a lovely person, and of course a great fiddler and singer.

My sympathy to all who mourn him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Learaí na Láibe.
Date: 15 Mar 09 - 09:06 PM

Go ndéanaí Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.

Terrible news - a great musician and a lovely fellow.

I'm sure he'll find great company and mighty sessions up above.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Gerry Carthy
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 01:37 AM

Slan go foill a Sheamuis ...and thanks for the music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Frank Mc Namara
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 08:16 AM

Sorry to hear the sad news, a great loss to music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Bobby Bob, Ellan Vannin
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 08:30 AM

It was in Killarney some years ago, and Seamus was playing at an event in the Court House. It was late afternoon, with the sun shining in through the windows, and Seamus played a haunting slow air. It was absolutely exquisite, with the notes seeming to hang there in the air - no, they didn't seem to, they did, because it was such a visceral, visual as well as an aural experience.

There's a studio recording by Seamus of the same slow air, but it just doesn't match the fantastic experience that it was when Seumus performed it that afternoon. I feel extremely privileged to have experienced the artistry of Seumus Creagh in that way.


Bobby Bob, Ellan Vannin

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 08:54 AM

I am so sad to hear this. I played with him one summer in Inis Oirr; he didn't mind my bad playing. About 3 years ago I was in Clonakilty, co Cork and met people who were learning fiddle from Séamus but I didn't actually see him, unfortunately. They said he'd been off the drink 10 years and was keeping well.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: Mick Tems
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 08:59 AM

We have been regular commuters from our home in Wales to The Gathering traditional festival in Killarney, and Seamus Creagh used to delight and amaze us with his loveable Sliabh Luachra music and sheer artistry. Years ago, when I first cut my teeth on Irish music, I sat open-mouthed watching Jacky Daly and Seamus Creagh cooking up some incredible tunes in Cardiff. Jacky is a regular Gathering musician, too, and condolences to him and to Paul de Grae.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST,johnny beggan jez dunne declan hunt
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 09:42 AM

if it helps someone

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST,eddie stack
Date: 16 Mar 09 - 04:16 PM

I just heard the sad news. During the 70's + 80's I often met Seamus, especially when he lived in North Clare. He was a great musician, a gentleman and a mad with a big heart. Sadly missed.

eddie stack

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Mar 09 - 10:04 AM

It is a seriously sad day for irish music. A humble, extraordinarily fine fiddle player. bless you Seamus, keep following the light!!

brendan o' regan

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P.
From: GUEST,guest_olddude
Date: 18 Mar 09 - 10:13 AM

I heard him once when I visited Ireland at the Puck Fair
amazing. I only wish I had met him

God Bless

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 19 Mar 09 - 07:30 AM

Seamus was in fine fettle (or so I thought)at The Gathering Festival in Killarney just 3 weeks ago - but just this very minute speaking to Jackie Daly who said he was actually very ill and putting on a very brave face, he had been suffering with cancer for a couple of years.

He had a huge turnout at his funeral, all (or most) of his musician friends gave Seamus a great sendoff.

Boy, am I glad I went to Killarney - just in time!

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Linda Morrison
Date: 19 Mar 09 - 03:46 PM

I met Seamus only last December when he was in Malaga for a holiday. He came along to a session, which I will never forget for the magic moments that happened there. His wonderful fiddle playing and his friendly presence transported me back to Ireland for a few hours. What a gift!

This is certainly a huge loss for so many who were close to him. My condolences to all of you... May he rest in peace and light.

At our next session we will play a set of tunes in memory of your lovely spirit.

Linda

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: The Sandman
Date: 19 Mar 09 - 04:44 PM

yes,I will second that,he was a great fiddler,singer,and good company.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,David Cáceres
Date: 19 Mar 09 - 05:40 PM

It´s hard to see how a great man goes. Wherever you are thank you for the wonderfull moments that we passed togheter.


Good bye my friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Smily Daly - NY
Date: 20 Mar 09 - 06:12 PM

Cast a cold eye On life, on death. Horseman, pass by!

- W. B. Yeats

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Jamie Snider
Date: 26 Mar 09 - 09:27 PM

Glad to read all of these tributes to Seamus as a person and as a player...he's a rock star to me as the man who kept the Irish and the nyah in the music ..there was no separation between his life and his music, he talked and acted as he played..the wit, the kindliness, the appreciation of life's ironies, twists and turns, the trueness and depth of his playing..wish he could have lived to be a hundred so we'd still have that connection to the best side of traditional music, culture...

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,kathy prosser washington state
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 02:33 AM

well seamus hope you have joined denis murphy padraig and julia in afine session up there god rest your soul

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Jane Kelton
Date: 06 Apr 09 - 09:13 AM

I just heard,and sad news. He was a fine man, great company and wit and deep music and song. Rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,William Hammond
Date: 16 Apr 09 - 12:12 PM

There will be a special session tonight Thursday 16th April at the Pier Head Pub, Blackrock, Cork in memory of Seamus Creagh. The night will also remember Matty Teehan who died 11/6/07. Matty and Seamus played a session every thursday at the Pier Head since about 1994.

All are welcome.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 16 Apr 09 - 05:55 PM

I would have loved to have been there!

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 17 Apr 09 - 05:15 AM

A very sad loss for those who knew him. A great loss for those who enjoyed his music.

We saw Jacky Daly and Seamus at The Hat & Feather in Bath around 1977. One of the most exciting evenings of music I have ever heard.

L in C

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 07:57 AM

I was very interested that Seamus got a worthy mention on BBC Radio 4 this morn:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00jwrrp

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 08:03 AM

P.S. It's about 16 mins in on 'Listen again'

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 03 May 09 - 10:45 AM

I've only heard the sad news a few days ago. I had the privililege to meet Seamus together with Eric Lourme for a private session in the house of Philippe Giraud in Tocane two years ago one afternoon as he was in holydays at Philippe's. I never will forget this special moment. The quietness in the farmhouse out in the Dordogne and the sweet music. We played for a few hours, chatted about tunes, drank coffee and I think, Seamus and his wife appreciated it as much as we did.
May you meet all the magic musicians of the past in heaven, Seamus. Et mes plus sincères condoléances à sa femme et tous les copains de Seamus.
Samuel Koenig, Switzerland

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,GUEST
Date: 06 Aug 09 - 04:06 AM

There was never a moment so perfect as the night at the '76 Sherkin Island music festival when "the petrol" was running low. All lights were out. We looked up at the stars as Seamus played one of his beautiful slow airs.
Love to his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,GUEST
Date: 03 Jul 10 - 05:08 PM

Once, many years ago, I was returning late to a caravan park where I was crashing during a festival in Killarney. When I arrived at the caravan I could not go in - the reason was this absolutely exquisite fiddle playing issuing from inside. I was amazed and literally fixed to the spot. When I summoned up the courage to go in, there was SC entertaining a bunch of people. What a player!

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Niall MacDonagh
Date: 15 Nov 10 - 07:45 PM

The last time I played with Seamus was in 1969 in Skibereen. I was looking forward to visiting Ireland next year and maybe reconnecting. Seamus, my friend, I know you are bringing joy no matter where you are.

Niall MacDonagh

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Wyn Bate
Date: 23 Dec 10 - 07:24 PM

Remember Bangor, Seamus. Great sessions with Jez, Howard, Frank, Dave, Harry, Patsy,Brian Mullen, Eddie Furey etc etc. A brilliant start for anyone who wanted to play traditional music.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Oceanlight
Date: 17 Jan 11 - 01:06 AM

Every time I visited Schull I would make sure to go the Corner Bar in Skibbereen, I believe it was a Monday night session. There was Seamus, acting like he was the same as the rest of us and playing exquisitely. I experienced in him the same qualities as others have named and am very sad to see him go. Thank you for sharing your sweet spirit and beautiful music with so many.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,C. Smithwick
Date: 07 May 11 - 05:21 PM

I must add my accolades, and terrible saddness, hearing this news, albeit a bit late.

I spent the summer of 1971 traveling the South of Ireland with Seamus, first in Dublin, playing in nightly sessions at Paddy O'Donnaghue's (w Frank, Paul Furey and others); later in Skibereen and ah, yes, on Sherkin Island! He taught me so much about Irish fiddling, and in turn, I taught him my rendition of Ragtime Annie (which he then developed and played with 4-Poster Bed), and The Maiden's Prayer.

Seamus recorded numerous tunes for me in private, which I've just had re-mastered on to CD and the quality is fantastic - just Shea and the fiddle. Best rendition of the Loansome Boatman I've ever heard. He was absolutely in his prime during this most wonderful summer in Eire.

Did he leave a family? Any heirs? If anyone knows and can put us in contact, let me know at cathyelynn AT comcast DOT net - God Bless.

Subject: RE: Obit: Seamus Creagh R.I.P. (March 2009)
From: GUEST,Jim Martin
Date: 11 May 11 - 07:54 AM

William ("Hammy") Hammond, a well know musician in Cork was a friend of Seamus and I contacted him. He says that Seamus certainly had a family but no musicians but there are many musicians in the Cork area who play Seamus's style. You could always contact Hammy via Facebook.