Choir of angels has a new member following passing of legendary Limerick musician, 102

THE CHOIR of angels has a new member with the passing of legendary Limerick musician, singer, songwriter and poet Peig Ryan in her 103rd year.

Peig, of Rath, Murroe and Cappamore leaves a traditional music legacy that was reflected in the musical celebration at her Requiem Mass in the Holy Rosary Church, Murroe.

She and her late husband Mick formed a Comhaltas branch in Murroe the early 1970s that was later renamed in her honour - Craobh Pheig Uí Riain CCÉ.

The group paid a touching tribute to Peig, saying they are grateful for the impact she has made through her wonderful love and passion for music. 

“When we consider the status of Irish traditional music in east Limerick, the name of Peig Ryan must be associated with it. Peig, shy of her 103 years on this planet, has sadly left us and while we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her extraordinary life and long-lasting legacy. 

“Our Comhaltas branch, rebranded in her honour, is so blessed to have experienced Peig’s many talents as a musician, mentor, officer, producer and teacher over a long lifetime. 

“She has left us a legacy which needs to be acknowledged in years to come by all our members and especially our music students.”

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The branch says that in January of 1972, Peig was instrumental with many others, now no longer with us, in founding the Murroe branch which now bears her name - Craobh Pheig Uí Riain.

Many musicians from the surrounding region joined the branch, where they continued to present programmes like Siamsa, Pléaracha, Scoraíocht, Seisiún and Oíche Céilí.

Comhaltas has acknowledged Peig’s legacy, both locally in tribute concerts in 2007 and 2023, and nationally, in presenting her with a Bardic Award at Fleadh na hÉireann in 2004 in Clonmel – the citation states all that Peig’s work has achieved and that she has “absorbed it into her very being”. 

On Sunday, January 15, 2023, the branch celebrated the 50th anniversary of its foundation and was also delighted and honoured to pay a special tribute to Peig as she would very shortly celebrate her 100th birthday on April 7, 2023. 

“Many of her closest friends and fellow musicians generously acknowledged her friendship, her talent and indeed her amazing legacy, which no doubt will resonate with so many in the years ahead.

"They came to Cappamore to share their talents in entertaining a capacity audience of more than 400 to celebrate this momentous occasion,” reads the tribute on the Craobh Pheig Uí Riain Facebook page.

Peig spoke at the end of the concert in 2023 and revealed east Limerick's loss could have been America's gain! She spoke about a missed chance for the family to follow her dad Stateside but said smiling, "Maybe I’m as well off or I wouldn’t be here tonight”.

Peig was most proud of the musical talent in her family now, having come from a family surrounded by music. Her great age and good health she put down to “the music”. 

“Thanks so much everybody. It’s been a fantastic day and night for an old woman of my age. It has been wonderful. I feel so joyful and so excited.

“I have a wonderful family and fantastic grandchildren and great grandchildren, and most of them are playing music, which is to my delight, thanks to their parents and their teachers, of course

“And thanks that our branch of Comhaltas is still going strong," said Peig, who was awarded Gradam na hEigse. It was a new award that has been initiated by Comhaltas to acknowledge men and women who have made a particular contribution in the fields of education, scholarship, planning, vision, etc.

Countless tributes have been paid to Peig, including from singer and flute player, radio and TV presenter, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh.

“Peig and her husband Mick were great friends of my father’s, and it was Peig who steered me towards the flute when it became clear I’d never make a fiddler. 

Over the years, we remained in touch and I loved calling into her during my time in Limerick for a tune and a chat. Peig was a beautiful woman - witty, kind and strong. She was a huge inspiration to me and to countless others. I’m so glad to have known her.”

Many also expressed their condolences on rip.ie including this beautiful tribute.

 “From the first chord to the final bow, Peig lived a life in harmony with her passion, traditional music. Whether playing to a crowd or strumming alone, she poured her heart into every performance. We are all blessed and give gratitude for Peig's life, a life well-lived, her legacy lives on in all the lives she ever touched through her wonderful gift of her musical creativity, melody and harmony.”

The beloved wife of the late Mick and mother of her late dearest daughter Theo is sadly missed by her daughter Mairéad, sons Gerard, Paudie and Mike, daughters-in-law Mary, Mary and Helen, her sister Marie O'Donnell and Marie’s husband John, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and wider Comhaltas friends and musicians.

May she rest in peace.