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I was heartbroken to hear that Dermot
had passed away.
I feel so fortunate to have had the pleasure and privilege of calling Dermot
O’Reilly my friend. Not only did I admire this wonderful man for his
tremendous musical talent, but his quick wit and humor, and his lovely,
gentle nature left a lasting impression on me.
We were in attendance at O’Reilly’s on Friday night and I’m so happy I had
the chance to hear his beautiful singing and to talk and laugh with him one
last time.
I will dearly miss our weekly Friday night chats at O’Reilly’s Pub.
Melanie Kavanagh
Mount Pearl, Newfoundland
I met Dermot almost 30 years ago while
I was working at the strand lounge in the Avalon mall and he of course he
was playing with Ryan’s fancy and a nicer man you will never meet and a
voice like that you will never hear again, Ryan’s fancy and the staff at the
strand lounge became as close as any family I have ever met, and even after
we all went our separate ways in the 80’s somehow I always managed to drop
in to different bars to have a listen or a pint with our friend Dermot, this
or any other St. patrick's day will not be just the same, you will be missed
my friend.
Your friends,
Paddy , Louise , Kristen , and Tony Keating.
As in Harry Warner's tribute, my wife
and I and close friends were regular patrons of the "New Windsor House"
where Dermot , Denis and Fergus always gave the best and memorable
performances in the late '60's early 70's.
The picture in the Toronto Star today made time stand still (taken in 1983),
is how we first remember them.
G o ndéana Dia trócaire air!
Russell & Marcia Watson
and Charlie, Marie & Joe McNally where 'ere they may be.
Well Fergus,
What a difference a couple of weeks make. I'm trying to imagine the sense of
loss you must be feeling. But you know, you must and most probably do,
consider yourself very fortunate to have had such a great friend and
colleague at your right hand for practically a lifetime.
When I watched you guys perform and otherwise just hang out you portrayed
without even a conscious effort, an aura and disposition that is the envy of
most and a measuring stick by which public personalities in these parts, are
judged.
To watch and be amazed at how you guys embraced this place and and have gone
out and represented us as a people and a culture that you have become such a
significant part of.
I, as a representative of just one of many groups that you guys have come to
know and recognize, would like to thank you. Getting to share that night in
Clarenville with you and Dermot along with Bob and John, was without a doubt
"the hilite" of my "not so distinguished" amateur musical life. I will never
forget it.
Please be assured that our thoughts and prayers are withyou and Dermot's
family at this time. Through his music and our vivid memories, Dermot will
live on.
Sincerely yours - Gene Mercer
Dermot your songs will live in all of
us. Rest in peace my friend, I will miss you.
Bob O'Donovan
Dermot O'reilly was a true gem in the
music industry. I only had the good fortune of speaking with him on one
occasion.....at a house party a few years back. But he impressed me with his
wit, honesty, integrity, & genuine personality. There was no BS about this
wonderful man. Obviously I knew him from Ryan's Fancy & his other musical
projects, but to actually get a chance to chat with Dermot certainly made a
lasting impression on me as a musician & as a man.
And even though my musical path was not the same as Dermot's I was heavily
influenced by the music of Ryan's Fancy, like so many other Newfoundland
musicians.
In an industry that is so much about pretentiousness Dermot was the real
deal.
He was one of a kind & he will surely be missed.
My thoughts & prayers go out to his family & close friends.
Rest in peace Dermot,
Sincerely
Damian Follett
It was with great sadness I heard of
the passing of Dermot. I really enjoyed the music of Ryan's Fancy. I have
quite a few of their records and still listen to them once in a while. My
sincere condolences to his wife and family, we'll remember you in our
prayers.
Slainte,
Danny Hughes,
Ashcroft, British Columbia.
My heart goes out to Dermot O'Reilly's
Family and to the band Members, Fergus O'Byrne and Denis Ryan who have lost
A Musical Icon, whose music will never be forgotton. How can we forget all
those years of the music that the Band provided us in the most important era
of our musical history! Bringing to mind, that outstanding weekend, when
Ryan's Fancy accepted the Dr. Helen Achievement Award at ECMA 2004 in St.
John's, and joined with their fans, during a musical week-end that we will
be in our hearts forever.
May Dermot O'Reilly rest in peace.
John L. Gavin
Music Promoter
Atlantic Seabreeze
Toronto
I remember Dermot from when I was a
little girl. Playing guitar with Fergus or Ralph in my parents living room,
and when I was older and able to go to places where he performed. He helped
bring Irish music alive for me. I know my whole family will miss him greatly
and I just wanted to express my deepest sympathies for his family.
Margaret Carew (nee. Hodder, Oliver's daughter)
St. John's NL
Well there is not much to say, except
he will be missed deeply, but he will live on through the music for years
and years to come. Deepest condolences to his family ...
Ed Harris
I Farewell my friend, this news today
of your passing has left me deeply saddened. St. Patrick's Day is just
around the corner and I was so much looking forward of coming to St. John's
to hear you play like I've done so many times before. I will always remember
our little chats down at O'Reilly's in between sets. You have inspired my
love and appreciation for Irish folk music, and it was just this weekend I
was listening to your songs 'West Country Lady' and Goodbye Mick'. I will
always remember and cherish you Dermot. And I have always listen to and
always will the music you sung with passion and love. I'll miss you
Glen Moore
I was shocked and saddened to hear of
Dermot's passing on Saturday. His unique voice and style made him a giant
presence in Canada's music community, but his kindness and thoughtfulness
were what endeared him to those whose lives he touched. He will be sorely
missed by all who knew him.
Jean Knowles
St. John's
I was so sorry to hear of Dermot's
death. I never met him personally, but was always a fan of Ryan's Fancy. My
children enjoyed their music. It made me happy to know that because of
Dermot and people like him Irish and traditional music will live on.
S Mulrooney
One of our earliest childhood memories
is of Dermot, Fergus, and Denis jamming at home with my parents Paul Delaney
and Rosemary Ommer and other folks, like Johnny Cameron, while a blizzard
blew outside – in St John’s , winter ’72. They had finished playing at the
pub in the Avalon Mall and came up to Cumberland Crescent and played all
night. These are terrific early memories. Dermot is my brother Ken’s
godfather.
I haven’t seen much of Dermot and Anne over the years, since I live in
Toronto – but I remember my last visit to their home (’98) and when I saw
Dermot and Ann at O’Reilly’s a year later, when I stopped by with my
stepfather Chris Palmer and Colleen O’Toole. I wish I had visited again.
I send my love to Anne (who took such good care of Dermot), Deirdre, Suzanne
& Grainne. Dermot will not be forgotten.
Catriona, Andy, Ken, and Keith Delaney
Toronto , ON
To Anne and the O'Reilly family,
So sad to hear of Dermot's passing. My thoughts are with you in your time of
sorrow.
Harry Martin
Labrador
Just turned on open line with Bill
Rowe and he announced Dermot's passing. I am so saddened to hear this.
Ryan's Fancy feels as much a part of me as Newfoundland. Please, accept my
condolences !!!!!
A Great Loss !!!!
Audrey Fisher
Germany
My condolences for Mr. O'Reilly's
family. What a loss. He will surely be missed by all.
Sincerly,
William Kluckow
(son of Phyllis Ryan).
I first met Dermot over 10 years ago
on Fogo Island at the Brimstone Head Folk Festival. I was to perform after
Dermot did his set. Of course I immediately went to meet this man that I had
only heard on the radio, on LP, and even 8 track. He was tuning his guitar
backstage when I approached him. He looked at me with a smile, shook my hand
and introduced himself as only Dermot could do. I'll never forget that day.
Since then I've had the pleasure of being in his company time and time
again. Weather it be on stage or off, at his studio, or just having a pint
at the Pub with his wonderful wife Ann, with whom I send my deepest sympathy
and regards to her and her family.
I haven't been around the city for the last little while so I haven't had
the chance to speak with him since Old Christmas Day 2005. Little did I even
think that this would be the last time we'd ever talk again.
But like everyone that had the pleasure to meet Dermot, or have been to one
of his shows will never forget him.
He will never be forgotten, as fellow musicians, friends and family, we will
make sure of that.
Rest Peacefully my friend.
Jamie Hancock
St. John's NL
I moved to St. Johns, Newfoundland in
June 2004. Being a big fan of Stan Rogers a friend of mine brought me
to O'Reilly's pub to introduce me to some of the local music. I walked in
and saw Dermot O'Reilly playing The Streets of London. That moment changed
my life. I went home, unpacked my guitar, downloaded the lyrics to Streets
of London and learned it. I have learned to play many songs on my guitar
since then and I have even learned how to play the tin whistle and the
bodhran. However Streets of London is still my favorite song and I still
think of Dermot every time I play it.
Thanks for the inspiration...
Luc Beaulieu
St. Johns Newfoundland.
Part of the magic of Newfoundland has
gone. How lucky we are to have known him.
Leslie-Anne Stephenson
Dermot O'Reilly was indeed a very
special man! I had the privilege of knowing him for many years. It was a
very sad day when a close friend of his and mine called me to tell me of his
passing.. When I was a little girl growing up in Ferryland on the Southern
shore I was first introduced to his music through a Sullivan's Gypsy album
that my father Jimmy always listened to. Both my dad and I learned many
songs from this album With an Irish background and a strong Love of culture,
heritage and music we proudly listened and learned these songs. During the
early ninety's I recored an album with two other girls Juanita and Jeannie
and I will always remember how proud Dermot was of us , he always
encouraged our musical talents and made us feel a part of that musical
circle. Since then I have married and have children of my own and am passing
on to them a love of music and culture. Every time I would run into Dermot
or Ann they always took time to ask about our lives with a genuine interest.
Many good times and chats we had when I had the pleasure of working at
Erin's Pub for Ralph. It was an honor to know Dermot. he was kind, loving,
gentle and authentic, and had a wink and a smile that made us all feel
special. Sometimes his words were simple but so profound. He had a
philosophical wisdom and shared it so humbly and gently. I watched him
perform at the Rankin's concert on Thursday night.
Ann; I am truly sorry for your loss . To Dermot's kids you have been blessed
to have Dermot for a Dad and to all the people whose lives he has touched be
thankful for the world is a better place because of Dermot O'Reilly.
Rhonda O'Keefe Arsenault
I believe that God's holy orchestra
will soon be playing a few familiar
reels... thanks to Dermot. A great teacher, a gentle soul. He will be
missed.
Jennifer H.
C.B.S.
I was saddened to hear that Dermot had passed away, I've been a fan of his
music for years. I actually had the privilege of seeing him Thursday night
as himself and Fergus opened for the Rankin Family and they, as always, were
spectacular . My condolences to all of Dermot's family and friends. A lot of
people knew and loved Dermot and for that he will be sadly missed, but
forever remembered. Rest In Peace Dermot.
Wendy and Tom
I never really knew Dermot but he has
a presence that makes it feel like I had for years. Every year I come home
to Newfoundland I make a point of taking as many of my family and friends as
I can find down to O'Reilly's, not so much to see the featured band but to
see Dermot playing the early set. He was truly an icon of traditional
Newfoundland Irish music that transcends all generations and never goes out
of style. He's a part of our rich history and will truly be missed.
Neil Collins
Vancouver, BC
Well what can we say? Dermot was an
icon, a legend, and he will never be forgotten. We’ll always remember just
what a great person he was. He was one who always would have time for a chat
or a laugh. His music and that of Ryan’s Fancy has had a great impact on us
and still keeps us company up here in Saskatoon . We will miss you Dermot.
Slan go Foill.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Anne and the family during this difficult
time.
Trevor Halleran & Jennifer Shea
I was saddened when I heard that Newfoundland has lost one if its music
icons, he was a great influence to everyone who enjoyed good music, he was
deeply respected and admired not only by the music industry but everyone who
witnessed his great talent. Dermot you will be missed.
Rest In Peace.
Justin Samson
I'm saddened to hear of the news about
Dermot. I knew him and Fergus for mean years, as they're acquaintances of my
father for a longer period of time.
Many times when I visited St. John's and O'Reilly's pub, the two men were
playing. I saw them in early Dec. 2006 at O'Reilly's, after a NL Brain
Injury dinner theatre. I usually go hi, shake their hands and put in my
request, which they always played. This time, as I walked towards their
stage after their set, Dermot called me by name, called me over and asked if
my father was in the province or gone to Florida.
I enjoyed these little encounters we had and felt proud to know him.
Craig Dunn
Being a fan of Dermot’s for many
years, I feel privileged to have heard his last performance on Friday night
at O’Reilly’s, it is a memory I will treasure forever. He will live on in
the hearts of everyone who has heard his music and seen him perform. Thank
you Dermot for being a special part of our lives.
Kelly
We were very saddened to hear of
Dermott's passing. We have been fans of Ryans Fancy & Dermott O' Rielly
since the early 1970's. Watching Dermott & Fergus perform or listening to
their music in our living room was always a quailty way to pass time. We
feel very lucky to have seen Dermott & Fergus this past summer performing at
O'Riellys. We had friends visiting with us from NWT & I remember telling
them "You are listening to Celtic & NL Traditional music at it's best." We
will remember the interest that Dermott always showed in you & your
background while chatting to you between sets.Our condolences go out to his
family & to the music community in NL.
Ed & Geneva Penney
La Loche, SK
(formally )Green's Hr,. NL
For the past decade, I have gotten to
know Dermot O'Reilly more and more. Beyond being one of the greatest
songwriters and musicians in our province's history, he was one of the
warmest and kindest people I had ever encountered. I was fortunate enough to
have seen Dermot on Wednesday evening, only days before he passed away.
Dermot's family and friends, particularly his wife Ann and his dear friend
Fergus, are in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss Dermot. But I know his
legacy will live on. Rest in peace, my friend.
Steve Kent
I had the privilege of seeing Dermot
and Fergus play the Saturday prior to Dermot’s passing. The set was delayed
for a while as Dermot was adamant that the equipment was not set up to his
liking. Despite the small pub nature of the setting it appeared that Dermot
was reluctant to start until he had the sound just right.
After both he and Fergus had played one of my favourite songs ( Kilkelly ,
Ireland ) I spoke with Dermot briefly and thanked them for keeping that song
in their repertoire. I actually said, “Don’t let it die” (of course not
knowing what was to come). Dermot seemed genuinely pleased that I
appreciated that song for what it was (a very dark and gloomy tune) and
stated that he would “Pass it on to Fergus”.
He will be missed.
Cheers,
Shannon Grouchy
St. John’s
Dermot, my friend, you will be sorely missed. I do
not think you realized how very deeply you touched the lives of all of us
who shared in your music and your friendship. Yesterday, I felt such a deep
sense of loss - today that the reality of it has sunk in, I remember and
cherish those all too few times we enjoyed together - on George Street, but
most especially those times in Lawn where we came to know and appreciate you
and Fergus best. Know that your music will live on as a lasting memorial to
you. Our sincere condolences to Ann and her family.
Jim and Ellen Rogers
Lawn
My sincere condolences to Dermot's family and
friends...We lost a great one with Dermot's passing. Heaven is now a better
place. Dermot's legacy will live on forever.
Norm Arsenault
We were deeply saddened when we received the news
on Saturday night at our family home in Newport, Co. Tipperary Ireland of
Dermot's passing. He was an old family friend and fellow band member of my
uncle Denis Ryan of Ryan's Fancy. I had the pleasure of meeting Dermot
myself at Denis's daughter Colleen's wedding in Halifax last October. What a
guy! Fantastic musician and person. We played a few tunes together that
night and had great fun. My father Seamus who would have toured around with
Ryan's Fancy when they played Ireland had some great stories to tell of his
experiences with Dermot, they should be documented! Our home was their home
when they came back to play the Irish tours and what an interesting and
exciting place it must have been.
You will be missed!
Kenneth Ryan
On behalf of The Ryan Family Of Cully,
Newport, C.of Tipperary
I knew Dermot since before Ryan's Fancy in the days
of Sullivan's Gypsies at the Airport Hotel in Gander, that gives you an idea
of my age group, I traveled to Halifax to see Ryan's Fancy play their first
gig at the Brass Rail and then all over Eastern Canada. The Finnegan's Wake
parties we held for the passing of E.P.A. were some of the better I have
attended.
I knew Dermot through his ups and downs and always regarded him as a brother
so lets say farewell and raise a "Parting Glass".
Frank Brennan
I have known Dermot a number of years.
He was a close friend of the entire Kelly Clan.
We had the privledge of having Dermot live and unplugged on a yearly basis.
During the Brimstone Head Folk Festival, the Matriarch of our family would
prepare enough food to feed an army, Dermot and Anne were always in
attendence. For some reason, he always looked at me as being a little girl.
My last memory of him was at O'Reilly's, him telling me how old I was
starting to get and us laughing at it over a beer. And of course, him
laughing at me for being such a big fan!!!
Oh Dermot, You'll be missed by us all.
Thank you,
Melanie Kelly
My husband, Tom, and I were sore of
heart when we heard of Dermot O'Reilly's passing yesterday morning. Our son
is living and working in St. John's at present, married to a St. John's girl
- we've visited O'Reilly's Pub numerous times, and could imagine Dermot and
Jimmy up on the stage there. The mention of his name brought back many happy
times, going to see Ryan's Fancy play (twice) in Saint John, NB, when we
lived nearby. We purchased their song book at the second concert (what do
you call it when you feel part of the group?), and each of the "boys" plus
Allistair McGillvray signed the inside cover. Dermot wrote something I can't
translate - maybe someone can do that for me -- he wrote "Shainte [I think]
Azus saol Fae [something like a t, maybe?] h. The others wrote in English -
leave it up to him to be original and use his gift..... When we were talking
with the group I wanted so much to say something profound - all I could
think of was "thank you for your music" (with stars in my eyes, I know). We
have most of their albums and I often find myself humming one of their
songs, these days "A Children's Winter" is tops (especially suiting as I'm
home on a snow day from school today). Peace to you, Dermot, and our
thoughts to all family and friends, of which I learn are numerous. Thanks
for the opportunity to share some of our thoughts and memories of a very
unique and special man.
Ann and Tom Wetzel
Grand Manan, NB
I saw him open for The Rankin Family
on Thursday night at Mile One Centre, It was a treat to see Dermot and
Fergus perform together and I am truly privileged to have been apart of this
wonderful event. I will remember it always. It is a sad day for the music
industry.
Neil Cooper
I was so saddened to hear of Dermot's
passing. Aside from the fact that he was a first class musician and
performer, he seemed to have a smile for everyone and there was always a
twinkle in his eye. Through his music and his good humour he spoke to people
across generations. His influence on Newfoundland Culture and on those who
had the pleasure to spend time in his presence can never be measured. He
was, and forever will be, one of my favorite musicians.
J. Howell
I'd like to reflect the thoughts of my
great friend and webmaster of this site in saying what a wonderful man
Dermot was. I too quickly became friends with Dermot immediately after
meeting him, as did most. He was that type of person. If you met him, he
was, indeed, your friend.
I'd like to wish his family well, and hope they take comfort it the fact
that the hearts that were touched by his gentle ways, are indeed many.
Rest In Peace my friend,
Harry Ingram.
Just a few years ago I got stuck in
St. John's due to a storm that shut down the most of the Avalon. I got sick
of the four walls of my room at the hotel and braved the storm and headed to
O'Reilly's Pub on George. Not many patrons just an older guy sitting at the
bar who I decided to get talking to.
So there I was the day before St. Patrick's and this guy who introduced
himself as Dermot got on the stage and sung his set and dedicated it to Chad
from Grand Falls-Windsor, the friend he just met.
Goes to show how friendly this man was and listening to that set showed me
how talented he was. I then recognized him through his voice.
God bless you Dermot, and condolences to your family, and your band, and to
the music industry.
From your friend you met once.
Chad Haggett
Grand Falls-Windsor
So sad to hear of Dermot's passing yesterday. I can
honestly say his music, and in particular "Candlelight and Wine" have had a
profound effect on the course of my life. You see, the first song I ever
played and sang to my wife was "Candlelight and Wine". Even today whenever I
take out the guitar it's the first song she requests. I'm convinced that if
that lovely song had never written we wouldn't have made it past the second
date. I told Dermot this story last winter when he was kind enough to sit
down and have a few pints with me and my friends between sets at O'Reilly's.
His broad smile brightened up our table.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam, may he rest in peace.
Brian Feltham
I seen Dermot O’Reilly and Fergus
O’Byrne opening for the Rankin Family on February 15th at Mile One Centre. I
was totally amazed by their talent. I have heard of Ryan’s Fancy before but
never seen them in concert. When Dermot O’Reilly sang A Children’s Winter,
it gave me chills. He has an amazing voice and I will guarantee you that my
children will grow up listening to this beautiful talent. My condolences to
the family of Dermot. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Leslie Woodford
My deepest
condolences to the family and friends of Dermot.
I first met Dermot while Ryan's Fancy was performing in the Cape Breton
Area. As a Celtic fiddle player, originally from Campbell's Creek on the
Port au Port Peninsula, It wasn't long until I wound up in session with
them. I admired Dermot's voice and his ability to compose songs. He was also
a very adept guitarist. When you played with Dermot backing you up on
guitar, he always had your back, so to speak, if you veered slightly off
key. He also had a good sense of humor and he would often amused audiences
with it.
Ryan's Fancy are to be commended for the effort that they put into
preserving traditional music in Atlantic Canada as well as promoting local
artists. Farwell to a good friend and a superb musician.
Mac Campbell
Port Hawkesbury, NS
A true legend and Icon of Traditional
Irish Newfoundland music and culture. I remember playing many Dermot and
Ryan's Fancy songs during my time as an announcer with VO-FM (Now K-Rock) on
Sunday mornings many years ago. Dermot will be fondly remembered and deeply
missed. My sympathy to the O'Reilly family, his legacy will live on through
those who pursue their passion for true traditional music in Newfoundland
and Labrador.
Sincerely,
Tony Miller
Mount Pearl, NL
We were
very saddened to hear of Dermot's passing . We are left with many happy
memories especially all the great Cape Breton house parties in years past .
Although we hadn't met a lot over the past few years when we did meet it was
always great to reminisce about friends and happenings . Knowing of the high
regard that Dermot was held by so many will be some consolation to his
family . So long , old friend .
Frank and
Mary Mac Innis,
Creignish , Cape Breton
We were very fortunate to have Dermott
make his home here in Newfoundland. He was wonderful, talented and spirited
and he will be sadly missed. He brought so much to this rock. Good-bye and
thank you Dermot.
Maureen Reddigan
I was sad to hear of Dermot's
demise. I met him on several occasions when I worked with CBC television in
Corner Brook, and on other occasions later. He and Dennis and Fergus were
friends of my brother Al Pittman. I'm sure if Al were with us today he'd be
raising a glass as high as he could on behalf of Dermot. I'm sure they'll
meet again on the other side. My sincere sympathies to his family and
friends. He will surly be missed by everyone who knew him. But his love of
music will live on forever in the hearts and souls of everyone who had the
pleasure of his company and his music.
Gord Pittman.
I visited
Newfoundland in 1991, when I was 9 years old, on a family vacation with my
parents. (We're from Connecticut.) While there, we bought a CD of All The
Best Folk Music of St. John's Newfoundland, which included "West Country
Lady" by Dermot O'Reilly. That quickly became one of my favorite songs;
indeed, for a couple of years, I considered it my very favorite song in all
the world. The lyrics are so poetic and beautiful, and to this day the song
makes me nostalgic for the beautiful isle of Newfoundland. (My parents and I
visited again 10 years later, in 2001, and I hope to return with my wife
someday.)
Anyway, I just wanted to pass along my condolences to Dermot's friends and
family... and my profound thanks to Dermot for producing such wonderful
music. May he rest peacefully in a place where the summer sun always
sparkles on still waters down in the bay.
Brendan Loy,
South Bend, Indiana
When Ryan's
Fancy ended back in the 80's we lost the greatest Irish Folk Band in North
America, if not the world. That band had everything - and then some! Now we
have lost the greatest Irish Folk solo balladeer in North America - if not
the world! Dermot O'Reilly had everything - and then some! He had a perfect
speaking and singing voice for his genre. He had confidence, charisma, wit
and a perfect stage presence. A very talented musician - more so than many
may realize. Listen to his guitar intro to Streets of London, or his
magnificent mandolin accompaniments to the Ryan's Fancy ballads. He was also
a fine songwriter - for example, A Children's Winter, Brand New Song and
West Country Lady. Dermot had the stage presence of a world class performer
and was second to none. He could be a master jokester on stage and a deep
philosophical thinker off stage. We have lost a giant. Sincere condolences
to his family and close friends.
A. Noftall
Soli Deo Gloria
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