Legendary guitarist Dennis Cahill passes away aged 68
Dennis Cahill, who passed away yesterday. Picture Dan Linehan
Legendary guitarist Dennis Cahill has passed away at the age of 68.
Cahill died on Monday evening surrounded by friends and family, a statement confirmed.
President Michael D Higgins said "it is with great sadness that those with a love of traditional Irish music across Ireland, his native Chicago and around the world will have heard of the death of Dennis Cahill.
"Dennis brought a unique and innovative style to his guitar playing, while being deeply respectful of the essence of traditional Irish music. He will, of course, be best remembered for his collaborations with Martin Hayes both as a duo and within the group The Gloaming.
"Together they explored new musical territory and helped create a phenomenal interest in traditional music among a whole new generation of people both within Ireland and across the world.
"I had the pleasure of hearing Dennis perform on many occasions and will always remember in particular the performance by The Gloaming as part of the concert ‘Ceiliúradh’, held in the Royal Albert Hall in London in 2014 as part of my State Visit.
"On behalf of Sabina and myself, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Dennis’s wife Mary, to his family and to all his friends and colleagues across the world.
"Tá oidhreacht luachmhar cheoil fágtha ag Dennis do na glúinte atá le teacht. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal.”
Friend and fellow musician Jimmy Keane has left the following announcement on Cahill's website.
"Our dearest Dennis passed away peacefully on Monday evening, with his beloved Mary by his side as she has throughout his journey," he writes.
"Just moments before — we were comforting Dennis while The Lament for Limerick from Dennis’ album with Martin was on in the background — and as the track advanced to My Love is in America, Mary turned off the player, leaned over to hug and kiss Dennis one last time – and then he was gone…
"Too heartbroken to write any more… Play a tune today. Sing a song. Tell a corny joke. Sip a whiskey. Cherish a memory…
"My loving condolences to Mary, Cliodhna, the Cahill family, and all of Dennis’ many friends… Love you Dennis and rest gently in peace…"
Cahill was born in Chicago in 1954 to immigrant parents from Kerry and started learning how to play the guitar at nine. He travelled all over the world with his music, and played with such icons as Sting, Rickey Skaggs and the Irish Chamber Orchestra.
He played with his friend, fiddler Martin Hayes for many years after the pair met in Chicago, and they both formed the Irish supergroup The Gloaming.
Tributes to Cahill are being paid to Cahill on social media, with mourners saying he "revolutionised the way people play traditional music".
— The Good Room (@TheGoodRoomCork) June 21, 2022
Very sorry to hear of the death of Dennis Cahill, an amazing musician who played with the most perfect timing and restraint, and found surprising and perfect harmonies. Ceol na naingeal go gcloisfeadh sé - RIP https://t.co/IinLeU2QYm
— Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid (@CaoimheNicD) June 21, 2022
Devasting news this morning. Dennis Cahill has passed away. Had the honour of working with Dennis with The Gloaming. A gentle soul and master musician. Rest easy Dennis. pic.twitter.com/TbpuWxd55T
— Gary Sheehan (@sheehan_gary) June 21, 2022
