Mick Shannon Death, Obituary – The news of Mick Shannon’s passing has left me with a profound sense of loss, and I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to his family. Mick was a talented violinist who hailed from the town of Derrylin, which is situated in the province of Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. He lived in Coventry for a period of his life, moved back to Ballina, relocated to Sligo town for a few years (during which time I got to know him), and then moved back to Ballina in his latter years. He spent a chunk of his life in Coventry. During the early stages of my career, I frequently traveled to flea markets and jam sessions, and during those times, I often traveled with Mick and played alongside him.
It was well known that Mick was an amazing violin player in addition to being a talented man who could make or repair fiddles. Mick’s ability to do both of these things was well known. You may find it fascinating to realize that Mick affixed the fingerboard that is currently on it. If you remember that I played Dad’s fiddle during the recent CD launch, you may find it amusing to learn that. Please let me know if you have any recollection of me playing it. Mick was famously known for his quick wit as well as his ability to tell an entertaining story. My great-grandmother, Mam, participated in a number of Fleadh Cheoils alongside my grandfather, Mick, who was a member of a number of different ceili bands.
They set themselves the objective of merely qualifying for the All-Ireland so that they would have a reason to go there; however, as far as I can recall, they finished in the top three on a few of the occasions when they competed in the competition. Their goal was to simply qualify for the All-Ireland so that they would have an excuse to go there. It was a wonderful blessing that I was able to have a number of delightful exchanges with Mick. And the fact that he kept playing right up until the very last day of his 92-year-long life is an inspiration to each and every one of us in this room right now. Mick, I hope you can find some rest.