Dear bodhran friends

As you may know, Paul was buried yesterday following a very moving ceremony in Downpatrick. He had his favourite Tipper in his hand and his drum went with him for the next stage of his journey.

The family played one of his recordings at the graveside, his bodhran for that tune was recorded 2 feet from where I sit now. It was extremely moving and when finished, he received a massive round of applause from people with tear-stained faces.

We retired to Speedy Mullans for a massive session in his name, the music was tremendous but we missed his drum in the mix. Later yesterday evening we went to the Garrick Bar in Belfast where Paul, Johnjoe and I were playing exactly one week previously. We played many tunes in his honour with his session buddies. We are all still stunned.

On a personal note I'd like to express my thanks to Amy and Heather from Athas who made the trip from Milwaukee to be with us at this time. Their presence made all the difference to me, I'm not sure how I would have coped without them. Paul and I could not have asked for better friends.

Thank you to everyone who has been in contact since Paul's passing, it is clear that he was greatly loved and had a massive impact on the bodhran world, he will be sorely missed.

I have re-instated the bodojo site as Paul would have wanted. The site is dedicated to his memory. His focus was always on learning and passing-on the knowledge, particularly to younger players and I hope that bodojo continues to provide information that informs, educates and improves in this spirit.

There are plans to create a memorial scholarship in his name to develop promising young players, the details are being worked on as we speak and I will bring you details when they are finalised

I'd like to thank everyone for their personal messages to me. They have helped me deal with a very difficult time and your support has been invaluable, thank you.

I shall refrain from posting for the remainder of this week, I see lots of activity on the Yahoo group and am delighted to add my welcome to everyone who comes to the drum in a spirit of learning and meaningful participation. I see the standards in bodhran playing at sessions rising and am grateful for the work put in by Cat and other 'bodhran evangelists' like us who seek to promote the drum and its contribution in a positive light.

Thank you again for all your support

Paul

Hi Paul and others,
I came home from a lesson from Dirk De Bleser and realized when coming home about your loss. I came to Bodojo just shortly but know that in our hearts we are cut from the same tree. May I express my feelings of deepest sympathy. I didn't knew Paul but I am sure he will be missed. All the best;
Ronnie Bracke

Paul, I had seen your tragic news on the site, and I knew all too well how you were feeling.
And I really didn't know what to say, or more to the point, how to say it. So I said nothing.
And now I regret that. But I can only say that at the time silence seemed for the best.
For what its worth I was with you in spirit as I know you and all your friends were with his family throughout.

Go well Paul, as he would want you to do. Another foundation to build on.
Sincerely
John