Music
06 Aug 18

Tributes Pour In For Renowned Donegal fiddler Tommy Peoples

Donegal-born fiddler Tommy People, who gained critical acclaim with The Bothy Band back in the mid-70s, has sadly passed away at the age of 70.
As well as playing with The Bothy Band, Tommy also performed with the Green Linnet Céilí Band, 1691 and was also a well-established solo performer in his own right. He also recorded with Paul Brady and Matt Molloy back in the 1970s.

Tommy Peoples A legend has left us. A great fiddle player and composer. #TommyPeoples #RIP pic.twitter.com/6IgKPvLo2z

— Irish Trad and Folk (@Tradandfolk) August 4, 2018

Peoples was born near St. Johnston, County Donegal. According to his wikipedia page, "after moving to Dublin in the 1960s, where he was employed as a Garda, he subsequently moved to County Clare and married Mary Linnane, daughter of Kitty Linnane, long-time leader of the Kilfenora Céilí Band. He lived in the village of St Johnston. His daughter Siobhán Peoples is a noted fiddler in her own right."
In July 2015, he launched a self-published book Ó Am go hAm - From Time to Time. The book combines a fiddle tutor by Tommy, along with illustrations and a complete notation of 130 original tunes by Tommy. The book also includes many stories and incidents from his life and musical career.
His funeral mass and burial will take place in Ennis, Co. Clare, on Tuesday, 7 August.
Here's some of the lovely tributes paying paid to Tommy on Twitter:

So sad to hear about the death of Tommy Peoples. The week I spent in his class in Miltown when I was 18 pretty much changed everything for me. Last heard him in Spiddal just a few years ago and his music was as magical as ever. RIP Tommy – a fiddle player like no other.

— Toner Quinn (@TonerQuinn) August 4, 2018

Lovely 3 part piece on YouTube from @TG4TV about Tommy Peoples who passed today . Artists like him , once in a lifetime , a great Oak . RIP . https://t.co/mphOYzQfUj

— Patrick M Barrett ™️ (@Pat_M_Barrett) August 4, 2018

Tommy Peoples. Far and away one of the most influential fiddlers of his time. He has left behind a wealth of music. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/R2EyEgWmli

— We Banjo 3 (@WeBanjo3) August 4, 2018

Very sad to hear of the passing of the great Tommy Peoples. Many years ago I heard the blues inIrish music when I heard him play a slow air on the fiddle. It moved me to tears. I’m glad I was a able to tell him about it a few years ago. Rest In Peace, Tommy.

— Maura O'Connell (@momaura) August 4, 2018

Lovely 3 part piece on YouTube from @TG4TV about Tommy Peoples who passed today . Artists like him , once in a lifetime , a great Oak . RIP . https://t.co/mphOYzQfUj

— Patrick M Barrett ™️ (@Pat_M_Barrett) August 4, 2018