Killeshandra mourns loss of renowned fiddler - Ted Sweeney

The passing last week of highly respected local musician and traditional raconteur, the late Ted Sweeney, drew tributes from far and wide.

Though his funeral took place in his native Killeshandra at the weekend, the memories of how he has inspired countless generations in taking up Irish traditional music have continued.

“A true gentlemen in every sense, Ted touched the lives of people of all ages through his music, his humour and his decency. His lasting influence and contribution to this community will be felt for years to come,” said the organisers of Belturbet's PJ Flood Festival, an event staged to celebrate the life of another who had contributed significantly to Cavan's cultural footprint at home and further afield.

Indeed, Gregory Grene, leader of American Irish punk band The Prodigals, posted on social media following news of Mr Sweeney's death, “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Wednesday, February 26, that the 72-year-old had been an “absolutely wonderful keeper of the flame, and such a fine, fine human. Generous, committed, unequivocal gentleman.”

His Funeral at St Brigid’s Church, Killeshandra, on Saturday last, March 1, was a celebration of Mr Sweeney's life and his love of Irish traditional music and song, with dozens attending to play a tune or two in tribute.

A member of the Cavan RFC male voice choir also, to mark his sad passing, Mr Sweeney's family had asked that musicians from near and far would gather in pubs in Killeshandra town to add to the growing chorus.

Predeceased by parents James and Elizabeth, Ted is survived by wife Siobhán (O’Reilly), children Síle and Pádraig, son-in-law Tomás; siblings Marian (Noel), Seamus (Mary), Gerry (Rita), Tom (Cathy), Phelim and Carmel; Siobhán's siblings Maura, Nollaig, Míchéal, Damian, Mairead and Deirdre; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relations, and wide circle of friends, neighbours, and lovers of traditional music and culture.