Another legend gone. We are very sad and devastated that our friend and colleague Eamonn Campbell has died after a short illness.
Eamonn was a true legend, a gent, a brilliant guitar player and an icon of traditional Irish music. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family. He will be greatly missed by all his friends and fans around the world. We are heartbroken and we thank you all for your thoughts and prayers at this time.
Eamonn, from Drogheda, Co Louth, officially joined The Dubliners as a guitarist in the 1980s. When the band stopped touring after the death of banjo player Barney McKenna, Campbell continued to play with The Dublin Legends. Eamonn had been touring with The Dublin Legends in Holland and Belgium when he fell ill.
President Michael D Higgins said he had learned of the musician’s death “with great sadness” and extended condolences to his family and friends. “He will also be missed by those, in Ireland and further afield, who continue to enjoy his voice and his music, with The Dubliners, when Sabina and I met him so often. Many others will have the warmest memories of his work with many other artists.”
The Dublin Legends singer Sean Cannon said: “I am devastated. We have spent the last 30 years together touring and playing concerts. He was a great player with a great feel for Irish music.”
Banjo player Gerry O’Connor said: “I have not come to terms with it yet. He was such a lovely guy. Always had a big smile on his face. He just adored playing live. He is a huge loss.”
“He was a real musician’s musician and he always knew what the audience wanted to hear. Devastated,” said singer Paul Watchorn.
Eamonn is survived by his wife Noreen, his children Paddy, Eamonn Jnr, Emma-Jane, Ciara and Niamh and by his grandchildren.
Brian Hand
(Image courtesy of Hilary Kavanagh)