John MacNamara RIP (Drimhagh / Blessington)

Sorry that this posting is a few weeks after the event. Letting the ITM family know about the passing of a much loved member and highly respected concertina and button accordion player from Blessington, Co. Wicklow. John was well known across the country (and abroad) and was a wonderful ambassador for the music.

https://rip.ie/death-notice/john-macnamara-blessington-wicklow/392588

Founder of the popular Dublin based Green Linnet Céilí Band. John was session master of popular Thursday evening sessions in Naas at 33 South Main and Hayden’s for many decades before that. Originally from Drimhagh in Dublin.

All our love to Joan, Mairéad, Nóirín and Maeve - and all friends and family. We all loved John and his wonderful repertoire, always upbeat and cheerful and welcoming.

We gave John a lovely send-off with a big group of friends playing at his funeral mass and a poignant session afterwards in 33 South Main with friends and family.

I knew John and learned many tunes from him. He was so helpful and enthusiastic, recorded and sent me several cds of himself playing, and other music that he thought I’d enjoy or could learn. Also helped me by inviting me to play at his sessions when i wouldn’t have had the confidence to play otherwise. As you say, he always had a smile and a welcome at the ready. And really genuinely loved the music. He would chat for hours about the different tunes or players.

I was so sad to hear of his passing, and will always think of him when i play any of the many tunes i learned from him. I guess that’s the legacy he’d want to leave.

Glad to hear you gave John a good send off!