'A hidden gem among the masses': Foul play ruled out after death of well-known Cork musician 

Reuben Lynch pictured here playing bass guitar in December 2009 with the well-known Cork band, The Lynch Mob. File photo: Larry Cummins

Foul play has been ruled out following the death of talented Cork musician Reuben Lynch who played in the well known band, the Lynch Mob, alongside his father and brother.

Mr Lynch, 45, was found dead by his family just after 4pm on New Year's day at a house in Curraheen Drive in Bishopstown on the southside of Cork city. 

Reuben Lynch was found by family at the residence on Curraheen Drive shortly after 4pm. File photo: Billy MacGill

A postmortem was carried out at Cork University Hospital (CUH) as a precautionary measure. However, it was determined that there was nothing suspicious about the passing of the well known bass player.

Tributes have continued to flood in for Mr Lynch whom friends described as being "a beast on the bass" such was his level of skill as well as describing Mr Lynch as a “clever, gentle beautiful human’, “a lovely guy”, “such a dude”, an “absolute gent” and “a hidden Gem among the masses”.

Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Reuben Lynch. Seeing him perform at Henchy's with his father Ricky are some of my happiest memories with my family in Cork. He was gentle and kind. My thoughts with Ricky and the family. Rest in Peace ❤️https://t.co/OjWGOikOLV

— Jared Garfield (@jaredgarfield1) January 2, 2021

Mr Lynch had performed in numerous venues in Cork including Cork Opera House. Counihans bar on Pembroke Street posted a statement in which they indicated that the artistic community was a lesser place following the loss of a "kind, gentle and gifted musician." He played alongside his father Ricky and his brother Graham.

Very sad news, Reuben Lynch bass player in his father's band, The Lynch Mob has passed away. RIP Reuben. https://t.co/PbNhbt97Tb

— Cork Folk Festival (@CorkFolkFest) January 1, 2021

Musician Hank Wedel said the passing of Reuben represented the "end of an era in Cork city." He stated Reuben would be remembered for his "gentle spirit" and "lovely heart."

Two fantastic musicians and friends gone too soon... this photo was taken after a Song Collector Session at The Pav. Thank you Liam Reilly & Reuben Lynch for sharing your passion with us. https://t.co/PMi2zd75cT

— SongCollectorSession (@TheSCSessions) January 2, 2021

Tributes also came in from amongst others Cork Folk Festival, musician Roy Buckley, broadcaster PJ Coogan, the Song Collection Sessions, traditional Irish music trio Arundo, and Crowley's Music.

In 2013 artist John Adams painted a portrait of the the Lynch mob band comprising of father Ricky and sons Graham and Reuben. It was unveiled at Cork City Library as part of the Cork Folk Festival that year with father and sons performing at the event.

An inquest in to the death will take place in Cork Coroner's Court later this year. 

Funeral arrangements will be finalised in the coming days.