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My wife Heather, not being what you
would call a big fan of traditional Newfoundland music, and I attended the
Rankin's show on Thursday night. As we made our way to the main gate, a man
carrying a guitar on his back approached ascending the stairs of Mile One. I
held the door as Dermot walked in, and I remarked "Geez, Dermot O'Reilly
must be opening tonight". As we carried on thru the doors, she said “That is
the man that brought me back the Heather"... Dermot O'Reilly brought you
back Heather? I replied. With a puzzled look she replied "that man, that you
held the door for, used to come into the gas station (she was manager), he
would take off his hat when entering, and put it back on when he left. Him
and his wife Ann when on a trip, and when they came back he brought me back
a stem of Heather, she said. I replied “Dermot O'Reilly, from the Sons of
Erin, and Ryan's Fancy went on a trip to Ireland and Scotland and came back
with a flower for you. "I knew he played in a band around town, but I
remember him as the nice Irish gentleman that brought me the flower and who
loved his wife Ann.
A legacy is not created by what you do in life but how you are remembered by
others, and Dermot O'Reilly with always be remembered in our home as a true
Irish gentleman.
Nick Hynes & Heather Gordon
I would like to send my heartfelt
condolences to Dermot's family and friends for the loss of a great man,
musician and friend. I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know
Dermot whilst working in St Johns (Clovelly Golf ) about 7 or 8 years ago.
As an Irishman new to the Rock, he was very good to me and was always there
to point me in the right direction.
Many the nice pint of the black stuff did we share down in O'Reilly's, My
Brothers Place and indeed in Clovelly's club house. He used to say “ One of
these days young Doherty, I’m actually going to come down here and golf! “
and it became a standing joke as every time he’s drop in to me for a pint
he’d say the same thing.
Himself and another absolute gentleman, Fergus O Byrne did me a huge favour
and played the very first gig in Clovelly…and what a night it was. The
audience that night were given a treat I’m sure they’ll never forget.
Since I left St Johns in 2001 I’ve had the pleasure of returning for a
holiday with my wife Caitriona and we met up with Dermot again for the usual
pints and later enjoyed his wonderful music in O Reillys. Caitriona was
bowled over by his smile, his kindness and of course his music. During their
conversation it emerged that Caitriona was working with Dermots niece in Aer
Lingus in Dublin and it was here we got the terrible news about Dermots
passing on Saturday.
I’ll never forget you Dermot. Thanks for being there for me, thanks for the
memories and thanks for being one of the worlds last true gentlemen.
“Slan go Foill”
Kieran Doherty,
Dublin, Ireland
Snowman, snow house,
Hey, play with me;
Shake the snow down from the tree,
Games once played by you and me.
Snow is softly falling
Dermot
Forever loved and always remembered by everyone you touched
I am a thousand winds that blow; I am the diamond glints on the snow. I am
the sunlight that ripened grain; I am the gentle autumns’s rain. When you
awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush, Of quiet birds
in circled flight. I am the soft star that shines at night.
*********
If Tears Could Build A Stairway (Dedication to Dermot)
If tears could build a stairway And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to heaven And bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why
Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you No one will ever know
But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store
Since you'll never be forgotten We pledge to you today
A cherished place within our heart is where you'll always stay
****
Thank you Dermot for your
songs and laughter, that warmed our hearts and rekindled our spirit.
B Dillon,
St. John's
I would feel a lump of sentimental,
but entirely heartfelt like the music, pride arise in my throat every time I
walked into a venue and heard Dermot O'Reilly sing his beautiful lyrical
tribute to Torbay, West Country Lady. Personally I knew Dermot from making
song requests at his gigs, the scatter conversation at Folk Festivals, and
also loosely through my family. Dermot took the time to answer questions I
had about old Torbay and relatives I didn't know and what those early years
were like for him as an ex-pat Irishman living in Newfoundland. He would
cross his arms put his chin into his chest and chuckle a little before
starting in on a story, a good sign an amusing anecdote was imminent.! Next
time I'm sitting on the breakwater in Tapper's Cove and the summer sun
sparkles on still waters down in the bay I'll hum a line or two for you
buddy.
Bryan Manning Jr.
Dermot was a fine man and musician I
will miss him being around.
Aubrey
I met Dermot and his lovely wife Ann
at the Airport in St. John's a couple of years ago and finally had a chance
to tell him how much both my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed his music . We
went to see Ryan's Fancy perform many times in the early years at the Strand
Lounge and to this day always marvel at the wonderful harmony of those three
gifted musicians , Dennis , Fergus and Dermot .
His memory will carry on in the music he helped promote in so many ways .
Thank you to his family for letting us enjoy his music , God Bless You all .
S. Feaver
NL
I first met Dermot only a few years ago through my
friend Roger. Although it was only a quick encounter I though, what a nice
fellow.
I have always enjoyed his music over the years and grew up watching Ryans
Fancy on TV, but to talk to him seemed so naturally easy.
The next time I met him was at the Arts and Culture Center for the Tommy
Makem concert. He called me by name and talked to me like I was an old
friend, then I was introduced to his friend, Tommy Makem.
I did not know Dermot very well, but I think I can speak for anyone who had
the good fortune to chance upon his company, be it once, twice, or many
times, Dermot was a genuine, friendly man whom once you met you certainly
would not forget him.
With deepest sympathies to the O'Reilly family.
Vince Walsh
St.John's'
God love ya, you darling man. You gave
so much joy to so many people, I know there will be a big shindig above to
celebrate your arrival. Peace be with your family at this time. I am sure
you will all meet again.
Peace Out, B.
I did not know Dermot personally but
he was a great singer and I think I heard him back in the early eighty's he
will be missed by all who heard his music and Ryan's Fancy.
Elizabeth Hall,
St. John's
Although I never met Dermot, I always admired his
music and what he did for Folk Music in Newfoundland. He will always be an
inspiration to me and I'm sure to other young performers as well..
Mike Batten
CBS
What a sad day, February 17th, 2007
the day the music died, again.
Ches and Claudia Drodge
Was very saddened to hear of Dermot's
passing. I first met Dermot in 1972 while he and the boys were playing a gig
at the Wabush Hotel. Since then I have had the pleasure of hoisting a few
with Dermot on my occasional visits back to the rock. His demeanor and
infectious personality have always given me great joy and pleasure anytime
we would meet. His recollections of the time we spent together in Wabush
always amazed me. Dermot, my friend, you will be missed.
Jerry Hawkins (formerly from Buchans)
Winnipeg, MB
My deepest condolences to the family
and friends of Dermot O'Reilly.
Dermot was as good a friend and musician as one could find anywhere. I
watched with huge regrets as Ryan's Fancy disbanded back in the eighties.
Now it is with great sadness that we have to realize that Dermot is no
longer with us in this life. With sad fondness, I say good-bye to Dermot who
lives on through his music and the memories.
Gordon Maclean
Piano Player
Port Hawkesbury, NS
It was with great sadness that our
family learned of the passing of Dermot. Our sympathies go out to his wife
Anne and three daughters Deirdre Suzanne and Grania.
An Irish blessing comes to mind that seems fitting and goes...
May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the
sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And
until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
God bless
The Roche Family
Middle Cove , Newfoundland
To The Family and Friends of Dermot
O'Reilly,
Music touches all of us and through the years all of us were touched by
Dermot's songs and his music. During the 1970's all of us were exposed to a
very talented trio "Ryan's Fancy". During those years the boys traveled all
around our Province and most of us got caught up with these three young
musicians.
Dermot, you will be sadly missed by all of us.
Deepest sympathy to his wife Anne and family. Our thoughts and prayers are
with you.
Kevin & Mary Walsh
Marystown, NL.
It was just a few months ago I called
Dermot on a whim and am I ever glad I did.
I told Dermot how much I appreciated his music and songs through the years.
I also got a chance to see him in Cape Breton about a year and a half ago in
Belle Cote.
My deepest thoughts to Dermot's family at this time.
Francis Mac Donald Jr,
Inverness, Cape Breton, NS
I am speaking on behalf on Dermot's
many fans. I never had the honour to know Dermot on a personal level but he
still touched many lives. He was one of the few authentic Irish musicians
living and performing in the province. He simply can not be replaced. I feel
a strong sense of grief thinking about the loss everyone will endure
especially those closest to him.
Dermot will live on in the hearts of many. He will continue to speak to us
though his music. May God bless him and his family.
Dan Carroll
I was saddened to hear of the passing
of Dermot O'Reilly. The first time I met Dermot was 30 years ago on the
wharf in Branch. I was ten years old at the time and he greeted me with a
handshake and a pat on the head. I have been a fan ever since. I most
recently heard Dermot perform at Mile One Center just two days before he
died. His music has always been a part of my life and will continue to bring
fond memories of a man who is such a
rich part of our culture and heritage. I am reminded of an old traditional
Gaelic blessing;
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
The rains fall soft upon your face and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
My sincerest condolences
Walter Nash
Branch,NL
I was not a friend of Dermot's but an
admirer from afar. I was made aware of Dermot's music in 2001 when I visited
Newfoundland for the first time. Candlelight and Wine and West Country Lady
captured me right away. We've been back to Newfoundland every year since for
vacation and in the summer of 2005 I had the pleasure to spend Canada Day
with Dermot and Anne and a bunch of other's at the Cook's BBQ on Canada Day.
I found myself sitting next to Anne at one point and had a lovely
conversation with her. The love between the two of them was obvious as she
worried about him and he reassured her he was fine, It was his first "public
appearance" after his bypass operation.
The guitar was passed around and anyone who wanted to, sang whatever they
wanted. Some a capella songs were sung but the most magical moment of the
evening was when someone handed the guitar to Dermot. He had recently had a
quintuple bypass in the winter and was just getting back in the swing of
things. Tonight’s songs were his first public singing appearance since the
operation. What an honor! I think the Irish musicians there were surprised
when every Newfoundlander (and some of us who were not) sang West Country
Lady along with him. Putting a guitar in his hand was a dangerous thing this
evening as he sang many more songs before he passed it along – among them
being Candlelight and Wine, Heave Away and Black Velvet Band. It was great
to hear him again and to see him taking such delight in singing for us.
His love of music and singing shone through that night and the other times I
saw him performing at Erin's Pub. Not only Newfoundland, but Canada and the
world has lost a great man. Hugs to Anne and the children. He was loved in
the USA too, by those who were lucky enough to listen
Anne and Vic Tenaglia,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I was very saddened to hear of Dermot's passing. I've been a friend of his
for many years and worked alongside of him on many occasions. He was a true
professional in all aspects of the music industry and A gentleman that was
second to none. He has left a legacy on the people of NL & Lab, Canada and
the world through his music and gentle personality. He will be sadly missed
by many. My condolences go out to his family.
Glenn Hiscock.
I was saddened to hear about the loss
of such a fine man. Although I did not know him personally, but I know a lot
of people who did know Dermot and spoke fondly of him. I did however meet
him a number of times and developed a great deal of respect for him and also
Fergus. My friends and I would listen to Ryan's Fancy albums all of the time
and then came the CD's. From the first time I heard "Rocky Road To Dublin",
I was hooked. My friends and I would even listen to the tape's that we done
off from record to cassette and listen to them while we trained for the
Regatta. Then we even approached Dermot and Fergus @ O'Reilly's Pub one
evening along time ago and told them how we used to listen to them while we
trained. We bought them pints of Guinness and in return bought us a round.
Not being a musician myself but realizing the impact that him, Fergus and
Denis has had on the music industry in Newfoundland Labrador speaks volumes.
I hope for the next generation of young musicians they will know and learn
about the legacy that Dermot has left on us all. From the first time I heard
Ryan's Fancy as a little boy in my parent's house I was hooked. And in
closing, I did seen Dermot and Fergus last Thursday afternoon @ Mile One
Centre doing a sound check before the Rankin's...I was busy working and
enjoying their tunes as always...You will be missed Dermot...Hats off to
you!!!
God Bless the O'Reilly Family
 and
Raise the Parting Glass For Dermot
Chris Abbott
St. John's
I first saw Ryan's Fancy at the
Baccalieu Club in the early seventies when I was a young fellow of seventeen
years. They made a big impression on me. Dermot was playing an Ovation
guitar at the time and he sure made it sound good. As a singer and
entertainer his songs had a lasting effect. I'm originally from
Bay-De-Verde, I know they use to visit there. My condolences to the family.
Vincent Woodrow
Courtenay, BC
I started playing in the Celtic music scene at a very young age and the
first few times I encountered Dermot and Fergus I was somewhat star struck.
I had the privilege of getting to know Dermot when he produced our album,
"Poverty's Arse". Although we were young, inexperienced and financially
limited, he embraced us and made us feel worthy of his time and efforts. I
quickly learned that he was one of the most genuine and down to earth people
you could ever meet....Patience was definitely a virtue of his. I sang
"Never More My Green Valley's" about 50 times before I got it halfway
decent enough to put on an album....Some of the best cups of tea I ever had
in my
life were at Dermot's house while recording that CD. That was one of the
most memorable times in my life.
To Ann and the O'Reilly family, my deepest condolences. To Fergus, my
sympathy for the loss of a great friend. I hope you continue to do what you
and Dermot did best....entertaining and making people smile. Your voices
will linger on. To the entire music community, we must pay tribute to a man
with great heart and amazing talent.....he will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all
God Bless
Priscilla Dalton of "Fine Crowd"
My first memories of music involved
Dermot and others playing in our living room. The O'Reilly family were
neighbours of mine when I was a child and living on Cumberland Crescent in
St. John's in the 70's. Coming forward 30 or so years, I was fortunate
enough to share my connection to Dermot with my wife Andrea, a Californian,
after see him perform in St. John's this past June. We walked into O'Reilly
pub on a Friday night not knowing he was playing. I knew the voice before I
saw his face. Dermot's voice will live long in my memory.
John Clouston
San Leandro, California
To have lived this great life doing
the things that made him happy, is a feat in itself.
To have the kind of effect this man had on everyone he met, is unmeasureable,
and something the rest of us can only dream about attaining. I met Dermot on
several occasions because of family connections with the Kelly's, and he
always had that same twinkle in his eye and down to earth attitude that made
him so special, to everyone he met. He will always have a place in
everyone's heart that met him, and I wish to send my greatest condolences to
Ann and her daughters. Never forgotten.
Sincerely,
Gerry Baker
Anne and 'children', Fergus and Denis:
My thoughts are with you and, even at this great distance, you remain close
to my heart. I remember with great fondness the days when we saw you
regularly, and I remember your kindness in hard times. I will raise a
parting glass to Dermot tonight and remember Ryan's Fancy's singing of that
too. You have been important people in my life and that of my children,
andDermot will always have a special place in our hearts and memories.
May Dermot rest in peace as I am sure he will.
Rosemary Ommer
At this time, I’d like to express my
deepest regrets to the family and friends of Dermot O’Reilly. As anyone
knows who had the pleasuring of making his acquaintance, he was a gentleman
in the truest sense, with a wit and humanity that touched us all.
We mourn the loss of a great friend and kind soul, one whose musical legacy
will outlive us all.
Michael Chafe,
Bay Bulls / St. John’s
Dermot was a personal friend of mine.
He was a great entertainer and a super human being. Our condolences go out
to Anne and the family. He is probably teaching the Angels to sing Piper
Stock Hill now.
God Bless Him. May his gentle soul be at rest. Our prayers are with his
family.
Max and Jean Taylor
Torbay, NL
Dear Ryan's Fancy,
I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of your colleague and
friend Dermot O'Reilly. We offer our deepest condolences to you and Dermot's
family on this sad occasion. He will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
May he eternally rest in peace.
RIP, from his cousin Phyllis Byrne, husband Vincent and family
Dublin, Ireland.
Dermot my friend I will surely miss you I remember
when I moved to Newfoundland how you Ann and your children treated me as one
of your family; may you rest in peace. Condolences to Ann and the girls.
Gloria ODonovan,
Florida
To A gentleman with a giant voice and a devilish
glint in the eye.
Never seen without causing a smile. Safe trip, Dermot. God Bless.
Mark Critch
I can't think of anyone else who has had such an
impact on traditional music in Newfoundland as Dermot O'Reilly. Ever since I
was a little kid growing up in my little house by the bay listening to the
rich tunes of Sullivan's Gypsies and the Sons Of Erin on the old record
player all the way up through to the many Ryan's Fancy albums, to countless
nights at O'Reilly's Pub I've been listening to Dermot sing the songs of my
youth and my home. I can't think of anyone from my little community, or the
Island as a whole who has not been touched by the wonderful music of
him and his bands. His passing marks the passing of a legend, and the
passing of a musical legacy that will leave its pure, simple, and
heartfelt sound ringing through the memories of Newfoundlanders for
generations to come.
From the arms of your friends to the hands of our Lord. You will be sadly
missed and kindly remembered. May you Rest In Peace Dermot.
John J. Foster
Springdale
We express our sadness at the passing
of Dermot. He was a great artist and a super human being. His legacy will
live forever. To all of his family may God Bless You.
Max & Jean Taylor
Dermot spent hundreds of hours at this
desk. He brought us many recordings of local talent. We will miss you
Dermot, I am Glad I had the opportunity to record there under your guidance
and I am very glad to say I knew you. God bless you, Dermot
We will miss you
Peter Barfoot
My husband and I have know the boys
for 30+ years. My husband knew them in Halifax and I knew them in St. John's
from the Strand lounge where my nursing classmates and I hung out. We were
there by 2PM always when St. Patrick's Day rolled around because we didn't
want to miss their annual gig. Little did I know in those days 1970-1973
that I would meet my husband and they would sing in church for our wedding
and then jam all afternoon at our reception at the old Hotel Nfld. As, well,
the day we announced our wedding, Dermot sang Buddy Holly tunes all evening
while I joyously celebrated the up coming wedding. To Dermot's family,
Denis, Fergus and their families, our sincere condolences on Dermot's
passing I am sure he is singing with the angels now and wondering what all
the fuss is about. We will miss him.
Judy and Fred Carpenter,
Truro NS
To the O'Reilly family,
Sorry for your loss. Dermot O'Reilly was a very talented singer and was well
known as well as respected for his work. Its a major tragedy what happened
to him. He will always be remembered and never forgotten. God bless you and
your families through this rough time.
Jennifer Dobbin.
Dermot , has left us ,but his music
will outlive us all. I have followed Ryan's Fancy since 1970. I got to know
Dermot when I moved back to St. Johns for a year, & every trip home after I
always went to see him perform. We are all blessed to have the honour of
hearing Dermot perform. Going home will never be the same for me. I am so
saddened by his passing& sure hope one day to see him perform on the highest
stage of all. Rest In Peace My Friend .
Eileen Careen Voisin
I could hardly believe my eyes on
Sunday when I read that Dermot had passed away. I can't say that I ever knew
him personally, but I had been in his presence a number of times at Erin 's
while sharing a drink with friends. He has left a legacy with the people of
Newfoundland and Labrador that can never be matched. I know he will be
dearly missed by those who were lucky enough to be his friends. And by those
of us who were touched by his music.
May he continue to play with the Big Band upstairs.
God Bless,
Barb (White) Reid
Fort McMurray, AB
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of
Dermot O'Reilly. He was a wonderful man and extra special musician and song
writer. I especially loved his song Candlelight and Wine. I first heard
Dermot sing this song at Erin's pub many years ago, and I have loved it ever
since. Dermot was indeed an icon in the Irish Newfoundland community and
will be sadly missed. We are all better for having known this wonderful man.
Rest in Peace.
Loretta Corcoran
CBS
Dermot O'Reilly
He Was inspiring To us all.
He Created our sound and paved the Road
on which all artists walk today.
There will be Beautiful Sounds in Heaven This Day.
Untill we play again, You will be missed .
Your Friend,
Terry .B .Parsons,
Bell Island NL
We had just
seen Dermot at the Rankin Family show last week, I so happy that I had the
chance to see him do what he does best one last time. It made my night when
he came on stage.
Forever a fan of you & Ryan's Fancy
The Jackson's
Our condolences to Dermot’s family and
friends.
We have always enjoyed the music of Dermot as far back as when he played
with Ryan’s Fancy who were in instrumental in bringing back traditional
music to Newfoundland . We thank him for that.
In closing , Dermot was a good man and a master at his trade and we will all
raise a glass for him and may he be a half hour in heaven before the devil
knows he’s dead / Good bye Dermot .
Bill and Nina Greene
When I
attended Morris Academy, in Mount Pearl, there was a group of 7 boys chosen
to sing on 'Skipper & Company'. I was one of them. We sang several songs and
performed quite well. Shortly after that performance, our music teacher
called us together and told us that we would be appearing on the Ryan's
Fancy Show. We were so excited. We sang a song and Don Short, a classmate,
sang a beautiful solo. Then, of course, I recited a little rhyme:
When I was a little boy just so high (I hold my hand so far above the stage)
Mommy use to beat me and make me cry
Now I'm a big boy, mommy can't do it
Daddy takes the stick and goes right to it
We all quite enjoyed it. The show felt magical. The seven of us sang along
with the boys in the group and the sound was heavenly. Dermot O'Reilly sang
'A Children's Christmas', and I remember singing along with him. After all
these years, I remember how it felt. 'A Children's Christmas' has been a
favourite of mine ever since. Thank you Ryan's Fancy, and thank you Dermot
O'Reilly for the music you brought to us. You'll never know how much you've
meant to so many people. God bless.
Glenn
Clarke
I never missed a show into The
Strand when Ryan's Fancy was there and in later years I watched their TV
show and still, in the past few years, went to see Dermot and Fergus
whenever they came to Lab City. I do have all their albums and I have been
playing them all weekend. It may sound strange but it's like I have lost
someone special.
Rest in peace Dermot.
Baxter Reid
Labrador City
I heard of Dermot's passing on
Sunday, Feb. 18. Funny thing is, the day before that I had dug out all my
Ryan's Fancy records (I think I have them all, including Live at the Black
Knight) and was listening to a few songs and reading some of Dermot's
lyrics. It felt really nice to get reacquainted with his writing and his
voice. I was very saddened the next day to
hear he had died. He and the lads have always been a huge inspiration to me,
particularly now as I am pursuing my own musical projects.
Dave Curtis,
Brighton, Ontario
I have so many found memories of watching and
listening to Dermot (and Fergus) at O'Reilly's and other venues. I can't
even imagine going to O'Reilly's and not hearing his sweet voice. I only
knew Dermot from these occasions but he always had a moment to take a
request and hear for the 100th time how he was my favorite singer/songwriter
ever and only HE could sing West Country Lady in my heart!
I had the fortune to hear and see Dermot one final time at O'Reilly's last
Friday night (Feb 9th) as I walked into the New O'Reilly's who should be on
stage but Dermot and Fergus. I am sure My friend and I gave Dermot a little
chuckle as we swayed to Candle Light and wine, the only 2 people on the
dance floor! Dermot u will live forever through your beautiful music, we
will never forget u!
Renée Warren
Sorry to
hear that this fellow got away. I was shocked, as a lot of other people, of
the sudden passing of Dermot O'Reilly this Saturday. I don't think that he
realized how much of an impacted that Ryan's Fancy had on the revitalization
of Newfoundland/Irish music. Those of us who can remember those great nights
at "The Strand Lounge" when it was standing room only and everyone sang
along like it was the natural thing to do. There was a built up energy that
wanted to be released and they came at the right time and make us aware of
this great music. For over the last 30 years I have enjoyed this music and
have seen the growth of the local talent within the province that was
looking for this little push or encouragement. We have seen the growth of
this music on a national and international scene and I don't think we have
reach the pinnacle yet. Today, there are more young people involved than
ever before. I see in the school when students are asking about the roots or
background of this music and their interest is genuine. In these few short
lines I have tried to do justice to the impact that Dermot had in this area
and to say Thank You for those countless nights that I have and will
continue to enjoy this music. You are missed
Bob O'Keefe
Paradise, NL
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