It is reported on Facebook - by someone of impeccable pedigree - that Ben Lennon, the great Leitrim fiddler, has passed away. He was truly one of the greats, and a lovely man, to boot.
Sorry to hear that. More of the stalwarts departing.
I particularly remember a nice afternoon session in the backroom of Aggie Cleary’s, Ben Lennon, Denis McMahon and Marcas O Murchú. And just myself and herself listening(and the four or five year old offspring bouncing around). Time well spent.
Other occasions too but that one stands out.
And (to let my inner librarian out for a second) there’s the lovely book by Fintan Vallelly with the great pics by Nutan : Ben Lennon : The Tailor’s Twist.
I was hoping you’d be along with some nice pictures, Mr G.
I was extremely privileged, last summer in Drumshanbo, to be in the back of Monica’s at the start of the Joe Mooney week, and happened to catch a ‘session’, consisting of just Ben and Charlie Lennon, playing away for two hours. It was absolutely magical. Breathtaking. I couldn’t believe the amazing rhythm those two produced. And proper tuning, too. None of this modern, ET rubbish!
And a brief article about the man…
https://journalofmusic.com/news/rip-fiddle-player-ben-lennon
Best wishes and stay well.
Steve