Tommy Peoples, the Donegal fiddler who won acclaim with The Bothy Band, has died aged 70.
Mr Peoples was born into a musical family in St Johnston, Co Donegal and was a purveyor of the East Donegal fiddle style.
He came to prominence when he joined respected trad group The Bothy Band in 1975 and he also played with the Green Linnet Céilí Band, 1691 as well as being an acclaimed solo performer.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Tommy Peoples.
— Lankum (@LankumDublin) August 4, 2018
A major influence, particularly to Cormac.
Our thoughts to all of his family and loved ones...
...and if you've never heard of the man, do yourself a huge favour.
RIP#TommyPeoples pic.twitter.com/34Gm4SRnlD
Mr Peoples moved to Dublin in 1965 to work as a Garda, before relocating to Co Clare where he married Mary Linnane, daughter of Kitty Linnane, long-time leader of the Kilfenora Céilί Band.
He was a multi-award winning musician and was also the Traditional Musician In Residence at The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey.
He was awarded the first TG4 Traditional Musician of the Year Award in 1998 and in 2013 he received the Composer of the Year award, becoming the first to receive a second Gradam in the TG4 awards.
Over the last few years of his life poor health prevented him from performing and he concentrated on composing.
His funeral mass and burial will take place in Ennis, County Clare on Tuesday 7 August.
Musicians from the Irish trad scene have been paying tribute to Mr Peoples.
Tommy Peoples A legend has left us. A great fiddle player and composer. #TommyPeoples #RIP pic.twitter.com/6IgKPvLo2z
— Irish Trad and Folk (@Tradandfolk) August 4, 2018
Lovely 3 part piece on YouTube from @TG4TV about Tommy Peoples who passed today . Artists like him , once in a lifetime , a great Oak . RIP . https://t.co/mphOYzQfUj
— Patrick M Barrett ™️ (@Pat_M_Barrett) August 4, 2018
So sad to hear about the death of Tommy Peoples. The week I spent in his class in Miltown when I was 18 pretty much changed everything for me. Last heard him in Spiddal just a few years ago and his music was as magical as ever. RIP Tommy – a fiddle player like no other.
— Toner Quinn (@TonerQuinn) August 4, 2018
Tommy Peoples. Far and away one of the most influential fiddlers of his time. He has left behind a wealth of music. Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/R2EyEgWmli
— We Banjo 3 (@WeBanjo3) August 4, 2018
Very sad to hear of the passing of the great Tommy Peoples. Many years ago I heard the blues inIrish music when I heard him play a slow air on the fiddle. It moved me to tears. I’m glad I was a able to tell him about it a few years ago. Rest In Peace, Tommy.
— Maura O'Connell (@momaura) August 4, 2018
RIP Tommy Peoples. A legend.
— Cara Dillon (@CaraDillonSings) August 4, 2018
