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February 18, 2007

My friend Dermot died yesterday. He was one of the most genuine, personable, friendly, and funny gentlemen I have ever known. The influence he had on my life through his music and personality could never be measured.

I invite all those affected by the life of Dermot O'Reilly to use this space to make an expression of their thoughts in this sad time. All messages can be sent to ryansfancy@yahoo.com and will be posted promptly.

Roger Lockyer
Ryan's Fancy.Com

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Hi my name is Andrew Molloy a Singer Song Writer and from Nfld originally but living in the Canadian Arctic. Ryan's Fancy is still my favourite band of all time and I did have the honour of meeting Dermot a couple of times and he was a gentleman and an amazing talent. Dermot has influenced my own music profoundly and I was shocked and Saddened when hearing the News. I send my condolences out to Dermot's Family, and to Fergus who I know must be devastated by this.
I can only say that Dermot's legacy will live on though his Fans and I myself have an infant son and he will be introduced to Dermot's Music and hopefully carry on his music through the generations that Dermot gave us over the Years.

Sincerely

Andrew Molloy
Dept of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Fisheries Management Sector
Iqaluit, Nunavut

St. Paddy's Day 2006 was one of the most memorable times of my life. My boyfriend Steve and I spent it at O'Reilly's Pub in St. John's. Throughout the day we met many people and some of them we will never forget. Dermot O'Reilly happened to be one of those people he touched our hearts and our souls without even knowing it. Steve has been an Irish/Traditional music fan for many years and on that day he was Irish to the core. He went to the pub with his camera, hoping to get a picture with Fergus and Dermot. By the time we got around to asking, Fergus had left to go to the next gig but we happened to catch Dermot on the run. Today on the wall of our cabin hangs an 8x10 photo of two fantastic men, Steve Stuckless and Dermot O'Reilly, this photo holds a memory we will never forget of a man who is not to be forgotten.

Sincere Sympathy and Prayers
Phoebe Warren & Steve Stuckless
Glenwood, NL

I am so sad to read, just today when innocently visiting the web page, of Dermot's passing. Such a shock to be hit with the news. Only a few hours ago I was listening to Ryan's Fancy singing Coaltown Road , and to learn his voice is heard no more, save through such recordings. My thoughts go to his family. God bless the man, clearly so loved.

Charlie Zahm
Pennsylvania

I met Dermot the first time in my hometown of Burgeo when he came there for the high school doing a musical presentation. He made a huge impression on me and really influenced my desire to become a musician. I saw him once again in St John's around '01 and was able to tell him how much he inspired me.

A wonderful man, and a great talent. I wish I could have known him better. Rest in Peace.

Craig Young
Guitarist with Terri Clark

I would like to extend my deep and heartfelt sympathy to Dermot's family and friends. It was, and always will be, a feeling of comfort, joy and overwhelming warmth that I get in listening to the great music of Dermot. A Children's Winter is one of my favourites. Growing up listening to all this great music always sounded great and listening to my Dad at house parties playing the guitar and singing along with our relatives to so many of Dermot and Ryan's Fancy's music. As an adult you have a greater appreciation and understanding for not only the melody but the wonderful lyrics. Now at 30 I find myself the one at the parties with the guitar, playing and singing these great songs. I hope I can keep this great music alive and touch the hearts of my children. Music at this stature will be around for many generations.

Sonya Oliver
Halifax
(formally) North River, Newfoundland

I looked in the dictionary for the word ‘gentle’ and I found this: chivalrous, honorable, distinguished, gentleman, kind, amiable. What I’d really been looking for was a way to describe my friend, Dermot O’Reilly.

I’d found it.

John Murphy
St. John's, NL.

My memories of Dermot are flashes in time. Childhood memories of 'The Boys', three bearded Irishmen, bursting into town, with an energy that was infectious. Dermot was special for a kid of about 10 or 12. I remember him pretending to be in Britain and much to my horror driving on the left hand side of the road. There was the piggyback down the hill from my parent's home to a local store. There is the memory of Dermot trying to restring a harp on my parent's porch. I remember his wonderfully sincere and appreciative response when I showed up at his home with a case of Keith's during the beer strike of the mid-80s. I grew up on Ryan's Fancy music but only got to see the band perform live once, at a conference in Halifax. I did have the honour of seeing Dermot and Fergus play in St. John's on a few occasions. An amazing duo. The last time I saw Dermot play at Erin's a couple of years ago was magical. Ann and some of the family were there. Dermot sang all his signature tunes. His voice was an amazing instrument. This site is a wonderful memorial to a wonderful man. I find myself visiting often. Loved reading Colleen Ryan's note. And the notes about the impact Dermot had on other children, especially from his recent visit to Clarenville, are wonderful and moving.

All the best,
Paul MacNeill
Montague, PEI

Requiem to a friend named Dermot

Losing someone that meant so much not just to you but to the world of Celtic music struck a serious chord with me this past week. Worse still, since retiring to the Kootenays in the south east corner of British Columbia we are somewhat cut off from the rest of the country. A friend called Thursday to say that he read about the death of Dermot and had I heard? Since then I have scrambled to get on top of the story and finally have put some of my own thoughts and words together on Dermot and Ryan’s Fancy in general.

I first came in contact with the “buys” in 1975. “Buys” is right because nobody called them the boys. I had seen their syndicated TV show from CHCH Hamilton with Tommy Makem and decided I wanted all of them to headline the Trappers Festival Stage Show at The Pas in northern Manitoba for three nights. All agreed to come and little did I know that they were a group only for television purposes. They each did a set and then closed with the groups together. Alistair MacGillivary came along to play guitar for Tommy Makem and sit in with Ryan’s Fancy. “This is the first time anywhere in the world that Ryan’s Fancy and Tommy Makem have appeared together in live concert,” Tommy told the audience.
The “buys” were a huge hit. That particular gig started a long association between Ryan’s Fancy and yours truly.

Every year for four or five years we would telephone them at the Strand on St. Patrick’s Day and wish them all the best. We always lucked out, Irish luck no doubt, and got them between sets and they never refused to talk to us. Another time I happened to be staying at the old Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto on Jarvis I believe and the boys were also there, in town to tape a CBC radio show. Dermot and I went outside to get another box of beer from the vendors and decided to sample some of it on the walk back to the hotel. Suddenly a red light flashed and a Toronto Cop decided that we were in deep trouble. Dermot, the diplomat proceeded to have a wee chat with the officer and instead of putting the cuffs on us, he drove us back to the hotel with Dermot and him engaged in a long conversation about the challenges of being a cop in a big city. By now the cop knew who Dermot was and didn’t even bother with me. We shook hands and called it a night. The Cop’s name was Joe Murphy and he had immigrated to Canada five years earlier from Dublin.

The “buys” really wanted to come back to The Pas but I had a policy of never booking the same headline act two years in a row, something we never agreed on. So after Catherine
McKinnon, Stan Rogers, Blake Emmons, Gloria Kaye it was now 1980 and time to bring back the boys, this time to headline the show and they also decided to do a tour of northern Manitoba towns with me as their emcee. It was seven days of fun and from there they were off to Disneyworld in Florida to tape another TV special. Their second appearance at the Trappers Festival was like something out of a movie. The shows were near sellouts, At one beer fest people were dancing on top of the tables it was that kind
of a weekend, In Thompson, Lynn Lake and Leaf Rapids the response was the same. It was magic, and I thought to myself the “buys” have arrived.

In 1981 they came to a rock and roll nightclub in Edmonton, Lucifer’s and by the second night the crowd had changed, and the once half empty club came to life with former
Maritimers and Newfies dancing to their music and singing along. In 1987 we came to St. John’s for a newspaper convention and I called Dermot. Both he and Fergie came over to the Hotel Newfoundland for a visit and later on we went to Dermot’s place in Torbay to meet his wife Ann and enjoy pizza before heading over to Erin’s Pub. Another night to remember and later he took me downstairs and showed me the projects he was working on including the collection of Newfoundland music and poems.We went our separate ways, but Dermot was special, hell they all were but the news that Dermot had died on February 24 hit me with a resounding thud. I sincerely hope that the music on tape can be preserved and perhaps released once again as there will never be another group like this one. And Dermot was also quite the songwriter and many times we argued which was his best piece of music. My choice still is “In the beginning” from the Dark Island album because it pretty well sums up Dermot’s whole philosophy towards life. I am going to miss him but we still have the vivid memories and the music. Last night good friends of ours the Preedy’s who were at The Pas when we were and helped with the shows, came over. We dug out some of the best Dermot tunes, and photos and cracked up some Guinness and hoisted a few in his memory. Preedys had made a pilgrimage to St. John’s in 2002 and hooked up with both Dermot and Fergie at an Irish Pub. Wish I could have been there. Cheers old friend and gad I wished I had of gotten together with you again.

Our deepest sympathies to Ann and the girls.

Uncle Hug,
Hugh and Mary Ann Johnston,
Creston, British Columbia,

I first met Dermot at the Avalon Mall Strand in the summer of 1981. I was writing an entertainment column for the Evening Telegram, and Ryan's Fancy had just released their tenth album, Dance Around This One. After chatting with Fergus about the album and receiving promotional material and so on, that good lad asked "Is there anything else?" I grinned and said, "yes, please! I'd like to meet Dermot".

And so I did! Since then I have been blessed and honoured to call Dermot my friend. From that first meeting to the last time I saw him in the autumn of 2006 when we ran into him and Ann at Middle Cove Beach on a blustery mid morning, my affection, respect, and admiration for Dermot the person, and Dermot the musician, was a constant that never wavered.

Thus when I heard on Saturday night past that Dermot had left us, I was numb with shock. I somewhat childishly thought that he would be here with all of us forever.

Dermot's music and song are so distinctively identifiable with who he was - a talent that constantly amazed and delighted; a human being whose generosity of spirit knew no bounds.

Dermot was one of those rare people who, when he greeted you and paused to chat, was so genuinely delighted to see you. He'd make you feel that your news was the most important news, that your feeble jokes were the funniest he'd ever heard, and you'd bask in the warmth of his undivided interest and that ever present twinkle, talking and laughing, before he'd move on to make the next person feel exactly the same. How truly awesome a human being he was. And how enriched my life has been from knowing him!

He is with God now, and his music and the wonderful memories will always be us.

To Ann, Deirdre, Suzanne. and Grainne please know that my heart aches for you at this time, that you are thought of with affection, that you are not alone.

Angie Tibbs
St. John's, NL

I will miss seeing Dermot at O'Reilly's. I live in Calgary and always looked forward to coming home and seeing Fergus and Dermot. Fortunately I have 12 of 13 records converted to CD and downloaded into my ipod. The greatest band ever to have and ever will grace us is Ryan's Fancy. I will miss you Dermot and your music will live on forever. I have sent a picture of my bodhran which will always be a reminder of my favorite band.

Dave Mulrooney
Grand Falls-Windsor
Calgary

"We think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched.
For nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much."

Mona and Rolf
Toronto

I first saw Ryan's Fancy at the Prince George Hotel in Kingston, Ontario in the early seventies. The last time I saw Fergus and Dermot was at O' Reilly's in August of last year. To Anne and family and Fergus Millie & I send our heart felt sympathy to you and yours. He inspired so many, in such a positive way. He is still with us, he is still in us, he is not gone.

John and Millie Danby.

Lyla and I first met Dermot, Denis and Fergus when they came to Aklavik, NWT in the fall of 1976. They gave a concert at the school, where Lyla and I were teaching. Afterwards, they came to the house for a pot luck and to indulge in an ample supply of home brew. Dermot and the boys played til 2 a.m. The music was tonic for our son, Andrew, who was only 4 months old at the time. He slept through the whole evening.
I met Dermot several years later in Gander, at the Flyers Club and had a fine chat about our evening in Aklavik. I extended an invitation for him to drop out to Glovertown for a visit if he had time. The next day, quite unexpectedly, he showed up at my father's house in Glovertown and introduced himself to my parents. He spent a grand evening with us, sipping on a couple of Blue Stars and chatting with us. He took a great interest in the apple trees and gardens as dad showed him around the place. Dad couldn't get over what a fine fellow he was. Over the years he always spoke about that day with Dermot. Every time he told the yarn I'd say to dad, "Yes boy. He was a fine fellow"

Lyla and Phil Riggs

I am so sorry Ann, I cannot imagine the heart ache you must feel. You have my deepest sympathy, I will pay my respects to Dermot and visit with you when I return from Afghanistan. I will miss tracking down where he is playing, the surprise on his face when I pop in, his music, his conversation, and sharing that all mighty pint. Dermot, Slán agus beannacht leat.

Vincent Simone

Mall Bay

He was the kindest Gentleman:
It was a privilege and an honor to consider him a friend. Dermot lit up a room unlike anyone else. He had a beautiful way of making everyone feel comfortable and at home, both through his music and his genuine love for people. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the kindest Lady and her family at this time of grief.

God Bless,
Jenny and Angie Gear
Carbonear

Though I did not know Dermot O'Reilly personally, I can honestly say that I have felt like I have known him my whole life. Though I was born the year before Ryan's Fancy went their own separate ways, and though I did not grow up with their TV show, I am a grateful beneficiary of the legacy they left behind. As a child growing up in Bonavista Bay in the 80s, I can remember my mother singing to my sister and I on starlight winter nights. The songs she sang were Ryan's Fancy Songs "A Children's Winter", "Seven Old Ladies", and so on. Even now when our family gathers to share memories, those songs still come up. They are the soundtrack to my childhood and the sweetest reminder of a simpler time.

As I grew older, I realized that I had an interest in music. Plucking away at my father's old Fender guitar when he wasn't around, I gradually (and I mean gradually) learned how to play. And the first songs I learned? Ryan's Fancy songs of course! While most kids of the 80s and early 90s were interested in New Kids on the Block or Pearl Jam, you could find me every Saturday morning tuned in to the Irish Newfoundland Show on VOCM, trying to listen for Ryan's Fancy. The soft and gentle voice of Dermot O'Reilly would have me running to the radio to turn it up and staring daggers at anyone who dared speak during the song!

Through listening to the music of Dermot, Fergus, and Dennis, I was transported. I became so interested in traditional music that I couldn't get enough. When I entered Memorial University in 2000, I headed to the Folklore and History departments and signed up for as much as I could take! I devoured courses in Newfoundland history and culture. I completed two degrees in Newfoundland History and am now completing my PhD in the same subject. And I thank Ryan's Fancy, and Dermot O'Reilly for the inspiration. Without their careful preservation of Newfoundland music and culture, I doubt seriously if I would have ever taken an interest in anything pertaining to Newfoundland. The legacy left behind by Dermot is incredible. In the capable hands of the boys from Ryan's Fancy, Newfoundland musicians came out of their kitchens and gave their magnificent gifts to the province to enjoy. And am I ever grateful. Traditional music is the soundtrack of my life, and Ryan's Fancy songs make up a huge proportion of that soundtrack. I can remember so vividly dragging my university friends as well as my sister down to O'Reilly's or Erin's Pub to listen to Dermot and Fergus. While we were often the youngest ones in the pubs by years, my sister and I always knew ALL of the words to their songs. Even now, when we get together for a pint and some music, Ryan's Fancy songs are invariably the ones that we want to hear. Their music has given me so much. I even remember hitting Dermot and Fergus up for an autograph one time. I got my picture taken with both, blew it up to 8x10, included the autographs, and had it framed. It hangs in my office.

To hear of Dermot's passing left me feeling as if a member of my own family has died. Dermot O'Reilly did so much for the people of Newfoundland, especially those of my generation. Without him and Ryan's Fancy, I wonder what the state of the music industry in Newfoundland might be. To say thank you to a man who gave so much and asked so very little in return seems so inadequate. Dermot O'Reilly was a man who helped transform the very nature of our province by showing us that our own music was just as good as that from outside. His brilliant song writing has left an indelible mark on the very fabric of Newfoundland culture and society. While I am so very sad to hear of the passing of Dermot O'Reilly, I am also so very grateful for all that he has given me. Though inadequate, all I can say is thank you so very much.

May you rest in peace, Dermot.

Sincerely,

Krista Lee Chatman
Edmonton, Alberta

While living in Toronto back in the 60's, my husband and I with a group of relatives and friends frequented the Windsor house and the Shamrock and Tickle every weekend.
It was at the Windsor house that I (we) first met Dermot and the boys.
We were regulars, every week. His music kept us going. Although he was Irish and we were Newfoundlander's, we identified with their sound, for it was the sound that we grew up with. We loved their music.

When they left Toronto and moved "home" we bought their music. Our family back home kept us supplied with their recordings, as Christmas gifts and other occasions. Every-time we came home for a visit, we would head to George Street in hopes of finding Dermot playing somewhere.

We finally moved back home three years ago. And I had the pleasure of seeing him play many times. I often wanted to speak to him, and ask if maybe he remembered us. My cousin and I would bombard him with requests at the Windsor house. They would be trying to leave at the end of the night and we would yell More! More! (of course with more than a few pints in us) he would always come back to leave us with one more song.
Many will miss him for sure, it has been a sad week. He will not soon be forgotten, for his music will live on for generations to come.

My deepest Sympathy to Ann and the children.

Alicia McDonald

My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dermot. I have fond memories of enjoying Ryan's Fancy at the Strand Lounge in the late 60's when I was attending MUN. Over the years I have collected their music and play it often. Dermot will be sadly missed.

Myra (Bird) and George King, Placentia

To family and friends of Dermot O'Reilly,
I wish to offer my sincere sympathy to you all on the untimely death of a great person.
I first heard Ryan's Fancy at the Strand many years ago, enjoyed them immensely, and continued to go hear and see them on many occasions since.
He will always be remembered by all Newfoundlanders as a very sincere gentleman.
His family will never be forgotten, God Bess you all.

A friend

"The Measure of A Man"
Not "How did he die?" but "How did he live?"
Not "What did he gain?" but "How did he give?"
Not "What was his station?" but "Had he a heart?"
And "How did he play his God-given part?"
Not "What was his shrine?" nor "What was his creed?"
But "Had he befriended those really in need?"
Not "What did the piece in the newspaper say?"
But "How many were sorry when he passed away?"
Was he ever ready with a word or good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

The thousands of accolades are a meter to the measure of Dermot O'Reilly.
For those of us born deep in the soul of "true Newfoundland", and as such, born true to the Irish in all of us, we have lost one of our own. Having been weaned on the music of "Ryan' Fancy" since I was knee-high to the proverbial leprechaun I mourn the loss of a real believer in the adage that we all need to "sing as if no one is listening" and "laugh as if we hadn't a care." Heaven is truly blessed to receive such a soul, and all of us left behind to wonder are truly blessed to have such a spokesman for us beyond the "Pearly Gates". Rest in peace Mr. O'Reilly, our loss is surely Heaven's gain.

J. Coates

I would just like to echo the thoughts of everyone whom have express their sadness on the passing of Dermot. I had the privilege of meeting Dermot on a couple of occasions and watched him perform several times in pubs around St. John's. He truly was one of a kind and will be missed dearly.

T. Gilbert
Las Vegas, NV

We were very sorry to hear that Dermot passed away. I have most of your music, Ryan's Fancy and the two videos, 'Rigs, Jigs and Songs from the Heart' and 'Cain's Legacy'... Thanks and keep the music going I am sure that Dermot would want that ...

All The best
Garland Brake

I have been reading all these messages since the terrible day. My heart goes out to Dermot's family and his close friends. There is nothing more that can be said that has not been posted here time and time again. A kind warm gentle man with treasured talent and a sparkle in his eye. while he was with us I only hope Dermot felt a fraction of the love and admiration which has been poured out over these past few days and I hope his family can find some comfort in all our prayers. We will raise a pint each night and remember him in our songs forever.

Jim Feehan

Well, how do i start?. I first saw Dermot at the Yellow Dory in the spring of 1997. I have always been a fan of Ryan's Fancy but never did see them live. Later that year i started frequenting another club that just opened up called O'Reilly's pub. It was there that i first heard Dermot & Fergus live and from then I hardly missed a show up until i left the
metro area in 2006. I love listening as well as playing their music. My heart goes out to Dermot's family as well as his band members and close friends. Being missed is an understatement...

Dennis Tulk
Aspen Cove, NL

A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You're free at last.

Nicole
New Brunswick

Dermot you touched so many peoples lives not just with your music but with the kind of person you were, mine included, you were my uncle and godfather and I was very proud of you. but I never told you that cause I think you knew their was a bit of hero worshiping going on, I have great memories of you and I will never forget the last time you came home and I had the pleasure of you staying the night in my house we had a great shindig with all the family, you were going to Galway the next day to see dad (Eddie) and Marie but of course we could not leave it there, myself ,Una and Collette went with you, we had the crack even though dad fell over the stool in the pub and cut his head (not too bad thank god) but that didn't stop us we had the best weekend ever as we do. I will miss you always and I am so sorry I could not be there to say goodbye

Your loving niece and god daughter Rita

PS I never did get my CD but your voice and music will live with me forever goodbye and rest in peace

Michelle O'Reilly

Roger:

Thank you for working so hard and giving freely of your time and talent to maintain this site, which has given so many people from far and wide the opportunity to share their Dermot stories - such an appropriate tribute to a man who delighted so much in people and conversation. We do appreciate it.

Recording with Dermot was a right of passage for many folk musicians. With Dermot there was something positive in every take, but you knew when he said "...come on in now, lets have a listen.." that you got it right. Patience, a keen ear, respect, and a genuine love and understanding of music and people were among his many gifts. His encouragement and
passion will be sorely missed - in the studio, in conversation, on stage, over a pint.....the many stories and well wishes on this site are testament to that.

Like so many, I am fortunate to have counted Dermot among my friends.

Now that the heavenly choir has embraced Dermot as one of its own, there is no doubt in my mind they will soon be singing an O'Reilly/Holly original - if they aren't already.

My deepest sympathies to Ann and family, Fergus and family and all who grieve Dermot's passing.

Tom Boland

I so regret not having gone to hear Dermot play, just one last time. I thought he would live forever.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Karen Chafe

It is a great pleasure to say that I knew Dermot. A few years ago I spent a weekend traveling from Point May, Lamaline, Lords Cove and Lawn with Dermot and Fergus. With this small amount of time spending with them I realize what great people they are.

It is such a great lost to his family, friends including Fergus as well as the music industry. Dermot has a voice like no other. He was a very special person in that where ever he was people where always in a good mood. He will be greatly missed by a lot of people.

Susan Walsh / Cake
Lamaline

I first heard the music of Ryan's Fancy as a young boy sitting on my grandfathers knee as the record player played. I was too young then to realize that in the future I'd have the privilege to meet such wonder men as Dermot and Fergus.

Many a time since my first meeting with such remarkable men, I've taken in their show and each and every time, no matter my mood, I always felt light of heart and it just brings a smile to my face to remember Dermot, how at home he seemed to be on stage, how lively.

To Ann, family and all others associated with such a remarkable man, my condolences to you.

I'll always remember his genuine smile and the look in his eye.

Rest in Peace to a wonderful talented kind soul

Sheldon Crocker,
St. John's

It shows how far 3 Irishmen can go, they used there personalities and great musical talent to restore the love of Irish music in the Maritimes.

Mike O’Neill
Los Angeles California

Dear Ann, Deirdre, Suzanne and Grainne,

I was so sorry to hear of Dermot's passing. I will remember him as a warm and caring person who always showed a great deal of concern for others. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.

Love,
Susan Hynes

Did I ever love that voice!! There are too many songs to mention that were sang by Dermot and Fergus that could give you those shivers you only get when you hear truly great music; I believe that in tandem, there is not a pair that could come close to these two! I was too young to hear Ryan’s Fancy in any type of live setting, but am sure that I would have loved seeing them on stage just as much!

I, along with friends and family who were simply fans of the music will miss this extraordinary pairing, but hope that Fergus will continue on belting them out…Fergus, I am sure that your buddy will be there somewhere, on whatever stage you decide to play, smiling and singing along with you.

My heart goes out to all of Dermot’s family and friends who will feel his loss the deepest. To many of us, when we lose someone, their voice is gone forever - I hope that you can all find solace in the fact that he has left you with the gift of forever hearing his voice through those many, many, wonderful tunes.

Erin Ryan
St. John's

So sorry to hear about the passing of a great man. Just wanted to pass along this photo of Fergus and Dermot at Don Cherry's in Clarenville. It was taken just a few weeks ago when they performed a concert for kids. My stepson and niece are present in the photo. The guys invited them up on stage to join in the song they were performing. It was the highlight of my stepsons life. He said he would never forget them, and I know he never will. Our thoughts are with you all during this sad time.

Shelly Parsons

Ann O'Reilly and Family :

I was shocked and deeply saddened upon hearing the news of Dermot's death. I would like to extend my condolences to Ann, Deirdre, Grainne, Suzanne and all the family affected by this devastating loss. I would humbly like to express my gratitude to Dermot for his unconditional friendship, for his immense contribution to Celtic music, his outstanding vocals and his brilliant smile.
But most of all a chara, your spirit and kindness you so freely extended to others. I was given a special gift just by knowing you and your family. Go raibh maith agut.
Performing on stage with Dermot O'Reilly the consummate artist was a bonus for those of us who were privileged.

Diarmuid a chara go raibh maith agut aris.
I will miss you.
Rest in peace.
Thiarna dean Trocarie.

Derek Harrington and family.
Toronto,Ontario

Richard Joe and Paul
Dublin Ireland.

I have never heard anyone criticize that man.
A gentleman to all.
Will be missed.

Ron Kirby

College in the early 70's meant every night at the Strand when the boys were playing. Not old enough (legally) to get in and only able to afford 1 beer for the night, my friends and I were part of the groupies that sang along to Seven Old Ladies and Good Bye Mick at the top of our lungs.It has been said that the greatest accomplishment in life is to be loved, and Dermot, my friend, you will always be loved.

Edna Turner Baker
Hearts Content, NL

Denis/Fergus

It is with great sadness that we heard the death of Dermot. What a great ‘’Dub’’ even though he was from the south side.We have fond and great memories of Ryan’s Fancy from Johnny Reid's Prince Edward room to Halifax to Nenagh Co Tipp and the 4 Seasons Pub in Bolton Street Dublin where you made the Ryan's Fancy special. We know he will be a great loss to both of you. We watched CBC news this evening on the internet and saw your tributes to Dermot.

As the Irish saying goes ‘’ May he be well settled in heaven before the Devil knows he is dead’’

Best regards
Nicky and Barb Beades
Dublin Ireland

A Children's Winter

Above them all, this song speaks to my heart. I was a very small girl when I first remember my parents playing this one during Christmas Parties. Family and friends who were just like family all singing LOUDLY along! So much has changed over the years. Some have moved away, some have passed on, and new generations have started. Hearing that song always lets me feel that the people who I've loved and lost are still with me - I hope I can help my son feel those same warm, happy memories. Rest well, Dermot, your magic has touched more than you know.

Deidre Williams

Dermot will be sadly missed. He was a great friend to all who were fortunate enough to know him. His love of music & life, family & friends were plainly evident over the years.

We'd met Dermot at different events - ever since the days at the Strand Lounge. We always found him easy to approach and speak with. He certainly had the gift to make his audience feel at ease and welcome.

To his immediate and extended family, our deepest sympathies go out to you.

Ruby and Gerald Legge

Thanks for the wonderful music. You will be missed. My thoughts are
with your family.

Love,
Robyn Murphy,
St. John's

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Obituary

Media coverage of the passing of Dermot O'Reilly:

Mourners remember Dermot
(Audio)

Ryan's Fancy retrospective
from 2004 ECMA's

From Youtube:
Dermot and Fergus at O'Reilly's

Thanks to Shawn Fulford for this: