Dear fellow bodhran players,

It is with a tremendously heavy heart that I tell you of the death of Paul Phillips yesterday Saturday the 16th September 2007. Details are few for now but it appears that he suffered a massive heart attack.

Paul and I worked side by side almost every day, we had a great night with Johnjoe on Wednesday, we were together on Friday. He was my best friend. I have no words right now, just tears

I have tried to call many of you to break the news personally, this medium is an inadequate way to break such shocking news, but it is the best available, I am sorry.

I will update you as I know more.

Paul

Paul ,

I am Sorry for Your Loss of a Dear Friend , But you must admit it is Fitting you got to spend some time together with him and John Joe just a few short hours-o-go . Cherish those moments in time as I am sure you will , May he Rest in Peace ,,,



The Harp that once through Tara’s hills The soul of music shed,
Now hangs as mute on Tara’s walls As if that soul were fled ,
So sleep the pride of former days,
So Glory’s thrill is o’er- And the hearts that once Beat high for praise Now feel that pulse no more.

Author Unknown ,,,

Dear friends,

I have been inundated with your messages regarding the loss of our
friend Paul, I don't think that I can possibly respond to them all so I
am saying thank you to everyone here.

It is clear that he touched so many of us in so many ways, no matter how
long or briefly we knew him. I am honoured to have known him as well as
I did, and to have had him at my back through my own thick and thin. We
worked together as bingbangbong with hot tunes on the stereo and mighty
craic as we worked. We laughed so much as did many here who knew him.
When we were in Milwaukee we were nicknamed Paul Squared by a waitress
in a bar, we liked that and adopted it. Being only one Paul again is
felt viscerally and I miss him dearly.

I saw him this evening at his home, he was peaceful, sleeping. He had
his drum near him and a Tipper in his hand. It was good to see him and
get the sense of confirmation that helps me to grieve. His wife says
that she has been hearing of all the well wishes from the internet and
she expresses her gratitude. The family are clearly very close and very
strong at this time.

As I was leaving, they were expecting a few musicians to arrive to
strike up a session. If there is one thing that could waken that man up
it'd be a good session, but it's not to be. I expect I'll get a few
tunes in his honour over the next few days.

The funeral is at St Columcille's in Downpatrick at 11 on Wednesday.
Some of our friends from Milwaukee are coming over, I spoke with them on
their way to O'Hare a half hour ago. In many ways for me they represent
the many of you who have expressed regret that you cannot be here, they
carry your spirit from every far away land and I welcome them to my
home. They bring your thoughts and wishes to Paul and his family. I am
grateful for their love of him.

Many of you have already done so, but I invite you to tell a story,
relate an experience, say a few words, leave a verse or whatever you
like on Paul's book of condolences at Bodojo. They certainly help me
feel better and they draw a picture of the man we knew and loved.

Thank you for all the support that this community has shown to each
other over the years and particularly when we lose one of our own.
Please understand if I do not get the opportunity to respond to all your
thoughtful words individually, I thank you for them and feel the warmth
they bring.

Paul