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Barney McKenna, seen here with Ronnie Drew, in 2006. Niall Carson/PA Wire
RIP
Barney McKenna, last of founding Dubliners, dies
The banjo maestro passed away suddenly at home this morning.
THE REMAINING FOUNDING member of The Dubliners group has died suddenly. Barney McKenna was 72 and died at home this morning, his family has said.
The banjo player recently took part in a series of concerts with current members of the folk band. The concerts, in Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin, were to mark the 50th anniversary of the band performing.
McKenna was from Donneycarney and according to fansite ItstheDubliners.com loved sea fishing almost as much as his music. He had tried to join the Irish No.1 Army band but was turned down because of poor eyesight and later met up with Ronnie Drew on the Dublin music scene, going on to found The Dubliners with him. (The band was originally called The Ronnie Drew Ballad Group and included Luke Kelly and Ciarán Bourke as well as Barney and Ronnie).
His banjo solos were a thing of magic. Enjoy:
(via brummydubliner/Youtube)
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