Pecker Dunne passes away

Warm tributes are being paid to Legendary Irish musician Pecker Dunne.

The Pecker who spent the past 23 years living in Kilimer in West Clare passed away at Ennis General Hospital following a long illness.

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Dunne was one of Ireland’s most noted banjo players – but was also proficient with fiddle, melodeon, and guitar -and was among an elite of Traveller musicians that includes The Fureys.

He became known to a wide Irish audience from his regular busking at GAA sporting fixtures, particularly in Munster.

Later The Pecker  played in England, France, Australia and New York, where he appeared with The Dubliners.

He also  performed alongside Richard Harris and Stephen Rea in the 1996 feature film Trojan Eddie the BBC and TG4 made documentaries about him and he became an artist in residenfe for the UL’s Nomand Traveller Music Programme.
 

Pecker Dunne is survived by his wife Madeline and four children who now carry on the musical tradition.

Friend and member of the West Clare Singers Joe O Connor says"Pecker was held in great esteem not just in Clare but right across the globe.