Irish traditional musician Charlie Lennon dies aged 85

Tributes have been paid to acclaimed Irish traditional musician Charlie Lennon, who has died aged 85.

He was a celebrated fiddle player and a composer, having written many tunes which are now a familiar part of many musicians’ repertoire.

For more than 50 years, Mr Lennon was a central and inspirational figure in Irish traditional music.

He had also written large-scale work for orchestras and soloists, and as a piano accompanist, he was an influential figure and a much sought-after musical partner to many.

He first trained as a nuclear physicist, while continuing to develop his musical work.

He enjoyed a busy and varied career and after retirement, he and his wife Sile moved back to Spiddal, Co Galway, where he established the ‘Studio Cuan’ recording studios.

Mr Lennon was a popular performer and a central part of Irish traditional musical life in ireland.

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