Hello PaulM,

I've never had the pleasure to meet Paul in person but I knew from our email-talks how close you both where. What good friend he was to you and those around him... although words can't ease the pain of your loss, I can only hope that knowing we all are with you gives you some light in these dark days. Let us all remember Paul by what he liked best, Erin's Music, playing the drum, and in that great feeling we have going home after a good Ses...

My thoughts are with You and the family,

JoBo (John)

May you rest in peace Paul Phillips, our world has been left a better place by
your visit with us. God bless!

Peace,
Ed

Thanks so much, Paul, for letting us know - we all shared Paul's joy in the music - making it doubly joyful - if only our shared sorrow could make this half a sorrow. From now on, there will be one too few drummers in the circle. Paul, take care of yourself - and know that we in this community have the same love and respect for you as we did him - and for the same reasons. I hope this will be of some comfort to you.

-moved from comments on behalf of Lauri -<br><br>Post edited by: bodojo, at: 2007/09/17 14:46

Paul,

thank you for the inspiration and the encouragement you gave me for playing the bodhran. It was always great meeting you. I remember, when you gave me one of your hotrod-sticks as a present, when the workshop in Tubbercurry was over. It sounds great.

You have been my first teacher of the bodhran. I will never forget you.
May you rest in peace.

Yours Mat

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

It is always sad to get to know that one of the grand ones pass away. I didn't met him personally, but I know his work. I think that one of the most inspired voices of bodhraning is silent now. As we deal with this great instrument we should conciously play some beats for his memory to give him a good wave to get faster whereever he wants to go...

Blessed be and may all winds and all elements be with you Paul!

Doom - TaTaKiTa Ta TaKiTa Doom!!!

Slán Agat agus Slainte Mhath!
Thórralf