Tributes pour in for songwriter Johnny Duhan, 74, after swimming death in Galway

Stephen Porzio

‘One of our finest songwriters and creative writers.’

Tributes are pouring in for Irish musician and songwriter Johnny Duhan following his death earlier this week.

A statement on his RIP.ie page says that the 74-year-old met his untimely death on Tuesday (12 November) while taking his daily swim in Galway Bay.

He was one of two people reported missing after separate incidents at Silverstrand Beach.

The search for the other person, a woman in her 30s, is ongoing.

A Garda spokesperson told JOE:

“Gardaí, with the assistance of the Irish Coastguard, RNLI, Civil Defence and a number of local search resources, resumed the search for the missing swimmer at first light this morning, Wednesday, 13th November, 2024.”

Born in Limerick, Mr. Duhan released several solo albums, as well as a record with the band Granny’s Intentions.

He is best known for writing the song ‘The Voyage’, of which Christy Moore recorded a very famous version.

A line from the song was included on his RIP.ie page: “In troubled waters (love) keeps us afloat.”

The page also reads:

“He is deeply missed by his heartbroken wife Maureen with whom he started his voyage 54 years ago.

“Treasured by his beloved crew of five children: Ronan, Niamh, Kevin, Ailbhe and Brian, as well as his daughter-in-law Siobhan, sons-in-law Padraic and Ian and Brian’s partner Emma.

“Adored by his precious grandchildren: Aoibheann, Alanna, Caitlin, Saoirse, Hannah, Aimee, Dylan, Ryan, Sonny, and Paidi. His brothers Eric, Barry, Michael, and sisters Joan, Kay, Patti, and Suzanne, along with the Biggins family Paddy and Sarah, and Dorry and Teresa and along with his in-laws and all of his dear friends, neighbours and devoted fans.

“May Johnny’s gentle soul Rest In Peace.”

Mr. Duhan’s funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Tributes from well-known Irish figures have been paid to the late singer-songwriter.

In a statement, Taoiseach Simon Harris said on Tuesday: “Terribly sad news tonight from Galway. Johnny Duhan was a renowned and much-loved songwriter. Thinking of his family and loved ones at this very sad time.

“The young woman who is still missing remains in our thoughts tonight.”

Terribly sad news tonight from Galway. Johnny Duhan was a renowned and much loved songwriter. Thinking of his family and loved ones at this very sad time.

The young woman who is still missing remains in our thoughts tonight https://t.co/BO0eaMYMIn
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) November 12, 2024

Politician Gerry Adams wrote: “I’m really sorry to hear of the death of Johnny Duhan. One of our finest songwriters and creative writers.”

In Irish, he added: “I want to express my condolences to his family and friends.”

Im really sorry to hear of the death of Johnny Duhan. One of our finest song writers and creative writers. Ba mhaith liom mo comh bhrón a deanamh leis a chlann agus a chairde.
— Gerry Adams (@GerryAdamsSF) November 12, 2024

Podcaster Blindboy Boatclub said: “RIP to a Limerick legend. This fella formed Granny’s Intentions back in the 60s – Limerick’s first rock band.

“They had Gary Moore from Thin Lizzy on guitar at one point.”

This fella formed Grannys Intentions back in the 60s. Limericks first rock band. They had Gary Moore from Thin Lizzy on guitar at one point
— The Blindboy Podcast (@bbboatclub) November 12, 2024

Broadcaster Marty Whelan also wrote: “Johnny Duhan has passed, God rest him.”