Musician Paddy Pecker Dunne dies - Ireland

From the Belfast Telegraph

Gifted musician, storyteller and activist Paddy Pecker Dunne has died.

In a statement, the Temple Bar Company said it regretted to announce his death at the age of 80.

"We were honoured to work with Farcry productions to facilitate a gala benefit concert for Pecker Dunne during the 2012 Temple Bar Tradfestival," it said. "Our thoughts are now with his wife and family at this sad time."

Artistic director of the Tradfestival Kieran Hanrahan praised Dunne's musical abilities.

"The Pecker mastered the art and craft of many an instrument, the mandolin, the fiddle and the banjo," he said.

"He was distinctively known for his most precious of gifts, his voice, and what that voice could deliver. It was the envy of some of the world's most renowned rock, pop, folk and traditional singers."

Dunne, a Traveller, wrote songs and music to describe injustices and prejudices he and his community faced.

He busked nationwide and played with The Dubliners, who covered his song Sullivans John, and he also played with Christy Moore and The Fureys.

Some of the exploits and anecdotes he was renowned for telling were his meeting Woody Guthrie in Boston, his friendship and work with Richard Harris and playing New York's Carnegie Hall.

His music career was marked with a gala benefit night at Dublin City Hall last January.