Tributes following passing of renowned local musician

There have been widespread tributes following the death of renowned local musician Fintan McManus.

Mr McManus, of Railway Road, Belturbet, and formerly of Corradillar, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4, in the care of his family and staff at Cavan General Hospital and the Oncology Unit in Drogheda.

He is survived by his wife Ann, brother Terry, son Mark (Trish), grandchildren James, Leo and Rebecca, sister-in-law Colette, as well as extended family and a wide circle of friends.

Organisers of Belturbet’s PJ Flood Festival described Mr McManus as “one of a kind”, recalling his lasting contribution to traditional music.

“Fintan McManus will be remembered as one of a kind, a gifted, gentle soul whose music and friendship touched countless lives. A master of the bouzouki, guitar, whistle, and tune, he played with legends yet remained deeply humble, always supporting the music rather than leading it. From sessions and festivals across Fermanagh, Cavan, and beyond, or in his studio, Fintan’s warmth, humour, and generosity enriched everyone he met. Living in Belturbet he was a great friend to the festival and worked on it for several years. To Ann, his family and all who loved him, heartfelt condolences. His kindness and talent will live long in the memories of the traditional music community he so enlivened.”

Melodeon player Ciaran Kelly from Fermanagh also paid tribute, recalling their shared musical beginnings and years on the road.

“We went to University in Coleraine in the late 1970s along with Ciaran Curran (Altan) and others such as piper Joe McHugh and singer Brian Mullen from Derry and flute player Gary Hastings. The music in those years was fantastic- Fintan was a great guitar and whistle player who moved to the bouzouki where he developed his own style of accompaniment. He could lift and carry any session he joined, always supporting the tune instead of dominating it. He later made his own bouzoukis and guitars,” said Mr Kelly, who described Mr McManus as a “great composer of tunes”, most notably the reel The Guns of the Magnificent Seven, which “travelled the world” and was recorded by many groups and musicians.

“Fintan and I travelled many miles together to sessions in the 1980s- there were many adventures, escapades and laughs,” recalled Mr Kelly, noting that one of the last times they pair played together was at an even in Cavan in 2021.

“He will be sadly missed by the traditional music community in Fermanagh and Cavan and further afield.”

Fiddle player Donal O’Connor meanwhile reflected on Mr McManus’s musicianship and generosity.

“I had the privilege of inviting Fintan to join us for filming in Enniskillen during the making of TG4’s ‘Sé mo Laoch: Gabriel McArdle in February 2020. It was a real honour to have him there. He accompanied Gabie on The Banks of Kilrea and was, as always, kind, humble, and a truly beautiful player, bringing a depth and sensitivity to the music that lifted everything around him.

Fintan had also recorded a couple of albums with my uncle Len Graham, and I always admired his accompaniment style, never intrusive, always perfectly judged, and his rare ability to support a song in a way that allowed the singer to fully shine. That kind of musicianship is a gift, and Fintan had it in abundance.”

Donal's band At First Light were among those who recorded a version of Mr McManus' great reel composition, 'Guns of the Magnificent Seven'. “We took it into 6/8, and true to form, Fintan was generous with his praise of our version, something I’ve always appreciated. He will be remembered not only for his artistry, but for his generosity of spirit and quiet presence within the tradition. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing and making music with him.”

Pat McManus of The Mama's Boyz said the late Mr McManus was a “great gentleman and musician”.

“A true friend to all who knew him and my cousin a few times removed”, the Celtus guitarist/violinist, singer and songwriter passed on his condolences to Mr McManus' wife Ann, family and friends.

Gregory Grene The Prodigals added to flow of tributes. He said news of Mr McManus' passing had been met with great sadness, describing him as “one of the absolute gentlemen” of the music scene.

“A truly lovely person. Totally selfless, he played with legends, and was a legend himself, but you’d never know it from his manner. Totally down to earth, warm, kind, and so gifted. Footage here from a rehearsal for a gig that night; as always, he had learned everything impeccably, and then added equal parts beautiful touch and sensitivity to the whole. He will be missed and his memory loved.”

Mr McManus' remains will repose at Lawlor's Funeral Home, Ernehill, Belturbet, this evening (Tuesday) from 6pm until prayers at 8pm. Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, April 8, at 11am in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Belturbet, followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan Town.

Family flowers only are requested, with donations in lieu, if desired, to the Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care Team. House private.