Coiste Scoil Acla has expressed deep sadness following the passing of the great Mayo musician and former Scoil Acla tutor, Noel Kilkenny following a brave battle with illness.
Commenting on his passing, Cathaoirleach of Scoil Acla Sarah Calvey said âWe are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the great musician and tutor Noel Kilkenny. Noel has taught the banjo at Scoil Acla for a number of years and has always nurtured and promoted a love of music among his students.
“Speaking to his former students they tell of how inspiring Noel was as a banjo player and how he always loved a laugh and joke along with the business of learning the tunes. He developed their love of Traditional Irish Music by making it relevant to them and ensuring they were confident to play in sessions. Noel together with his brother John have brought hundreds of musicians to Fleadheanna Cheoil with The Rolling Waves grupaĂ cheoil and cĂ©ilĂ bands. The Rolling Waves have enjoyed much success at national level and this is down to the commitment and talent of the Kilkenny family. Noel and all his family are very much part of our Scoil Acla family and we feel for them at this very difficult time.”
Sarah Calvey continued; “Today we have lost of legend of music and a dear friend. Noel’s name is synonymous with traditional music here in Mayo and all his life he has played in great sessions and contributed to music in a substantial way. He taught a variety of instruments all around the county and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We have fond memories of the banjo classes all playing outside Bunacurry School during Scoil Acla 2019 and Noel encouraging and entertaining all around him. He has been taken too soon and will be fondly remembered.”
Ar dheis DĂ© go raibh a anam dilĂs.
Noel is survived by his wife Sonya, sons John and Noah, daughters Katie and Nicole, brothers John and Kieran and his sisters Linda, Stephanie and Siobhan.
Our thoughts go out to his entire family and wide circle of friends at this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements and online book of condolence may be found here
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