Tributes have been paid to a ‘legend’ of Derry’s Irish folk music scene following news of his passing on New Year’s Day.
Eamon McLaughlin was known to many as a member of the folk band Thundering Down and a regular performer in trad bar Peader O’Donnell’s for over 35 years.
Mr McLaughlin formed Thundering Down alongside his two brothers, John and Denis, in 1982 and was renowned in the Irish folk scene both locally and across Ireland.
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In recent years, ill health had meant that he hadn’t been able to perform.
I can't believe I’m writing this on New Years Day. This morning my father Eamon passed away. A much-loved musician that...
Posted by Emmett McLaughlin on Wednesday 1 January 2025
His son, Emmett McLaughlin, said his father passed away on New Year’s Day.
“Words cannot describe how devastated we all are, but take some small solace from the fact he is no longer in pain,” he said in a statement on social media.
He said his father was a “much-loved musician that gave you a nod and big smile every time you walked through the door of Peader O’Donnells”.
“Keep on rocking in the free world da, you legend.”
Management at Peader’s also paid tribute to the “stalwart of the seisún”.
Sad news reaches us today of the passing of Eamon McLaughlin , stalwart of the seisún in Peadar O'Donnell's for many years . Eamon was greatly loved by management , staff and customers not only for his music but for the fact that his goodness as a human being shone through , and was evident from his big full face smile and laugh . R. I. P . Friend . From Phil , William and all the staff. Come a little bit closer Hear what I have to say Just like children sleepin' We could dream this night away
Posted by Peadar O'Donnell's on Wednesday 1 January 2025
“Eamon was greatly loved by management, staff and customers not only for his music but for the fact that his goodness as a human being shone through, and was evident from his big full face smile and laugh.”
Fellow Derry musician Dougie Breslin said he had a “heavy heart” after hearing of the passing of a “legend of the Derry music scene”.
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“Eamon has had a huge battle with health over the past few years, and has inspired many with his unbelieving positive attitude,” he said.
“I’m sure I speak for many local musicians when I say he will be missed big time.”
