Martin Gilligan
Paul McEvoy sends the sad news that Martin Gilligan, a leading banjo-player on the Dublin scene for many years, has died of stomach cancer, which developed very rapidly.Martin will be missed, and will be remembered as a highly talented musician who was also very good company. The photo shows him as a member of the Tin Box Company, a hard-working and entertaining Dublin band. No funeral details are on hand at present, but it is expected that they will be announced in the Herald or the Independent.
Comments received from Martin's fellow musicians and friends can be seen at the bottom of this post: click on the 'Comments' label.
Labels: People
posted by Richard Hawkins @ 7:17 pm
6 comments
6 Comments:
I'm so shocked to hear of Martin's sudden death.He was a lovely and positive person and a great player too.We formed a bluegrass band together many years ago(my first ,i think) and even though it was short lived we had great fun and dreams in putting the music together. Although i haven't met him for years he is still very prominent in my minds eye and always will be. R.I.P. MARTIN.
Frankie Lane
I have just returned from a trip to Tennessee and NC, flushed with a feeling of success, and as the song goes, I was 'Sitting On Top Of The World'. Then came a lightening bolt.I was very shocked to hear of Martin's passing. I knew him since the late 70s. In 1980 I bought a Banjo for him in Mandolin Brothers store on Staten Island, a half-Gibson Mastertone 5-string, as it were, and Martin treasured that instrument. He was a gentle soul, a talented musician, and the kind of guy who always had a good word to say about everyone. He sat in with me on many an occasion, and he will be sadly missed by all. May he rest in peace.
Niall Toner.
dreadful news i had texted him some weeks ago and he sounded positive. a great player will be sadly missed
Noel (mule train)
RIP Martin.
May you rest in peace x x
I just heard the news today old boy... i remember meeting Martin and Jimmy at Athy in the early years and our musical friendship developed from there - relighted at annual visits to there or Dunmore East. I never could play Blackberry Blossom fast enough on my dobro to make the definitive version but Martin smiled an encouraging smile that didnt stop me trying the next time. I remember fondly being way down town fooling around..I am so shocked and send my love to Teresa and the boys and all...John McGarrigle
my name is trevor. im martins youngest. thank u for the kind comments. john mcgarigle also, who was a good friend of his. leonard, jim lawrence. great memories when i was a kid and parties were in the house. wen i hear dat bluegrass sound i just think of a loving , caring family home on a sunday and my dad playing d banjo. i used to mute al the strings, which any guitarist knows is horrible, but he never once complained. he sang marvelous toy 2 me wen i was in the bath. i had a red / yellow boat. i had 2 ask him days b4 he passed away who sang it. so horrible, but im glad he did. he never complained once. such a positive person. he thought me so many things in life im v grateful for.i wudnt hav been elected without him.i told him i really wanted him to see my children (he said he knew) and we both cried knowing it wasnt going to happen. glad we did that. al my love, ur litle boy. Trev.
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