Tributes have been paid to a stalwart of the Fermanagh traditional music scene, Bernard Robert ‘Sonny’ McDermott.

Sonny played a huge role in the Roslea Comhaltas. He died on March 10 in his 90th year.

Tommy McDermott paid tribute to his cousin and said: “He is a big loss to the community in Rosslea and a big loss to the community everywhere.”

He later added: “The world could do with more people like Sonny.”

Sonny was born in 1931 in Drumharragh, Rosslea to Mary Kate McDermott.

Despite never playing an instrument, Sonny was heavily involved with the Roslea Comhaltas joining the group in the late 1950s.

He had a life-long link with the Pioneer Association and served over 60 years.

Tommy added: “He took part in the Rosslea Pioneers, Fermanagh Pioneers and the Ulster Pioneers. He would have served in committee in both the Pioneers and the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ). He was a great man for the céilí dancing too. He did a lot to keep the ceildh dancing going. He also participated in tug-of-war.”

Lifelong friend

Speaking on Sonny’s early life Tommy said; “When he finished schooling he worked at Deer Park and then he worked with his lifelong school friend Joe Pat Prunty for over 40 years, working initially at draining before doing the pitches.”

Speaking on his cousin’s attitude, Tommy said: “He had a great personality, he was known by everybody and he was known as a true gentleman by everybody.”

A spokesperson from Roslea Comhaltas said: “Sonny was a man of integrity, an ambassador for Irish music, a champion of Irish culture, a pure gentleman, but to us at Roslea Comhaltas, he was simply our Sonny, the man we turned to for advice, the man who has the answer to everything.

“He was the backbone of our branch for 66 years with his knowledge and experience being second to none.”

Sonny was a dedicated member of the branch until recently.

The spokesperson continued: “Up until two years ago, Sonny attended our weekly music classes. He would arrive early, open up and have the heat on for us.

“He was so delighted and proud to see so many come through the doors. He made it his business to know every child, their parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents and often told of how he kept the branch going even when it wasn’t “cool” to play traditional music and maybe only had two in the class.

“We will miss greatly the stories, the chats, the advice and guidance but we will continue to work hard and keep Sonny’s memory alive in the branch that he built and loved so much.”

Sonny McDermott was laid to rest on March 13, 2021 in St. Tierney’s, Rosslea.

All over Ireland

Tributes were paid to him from all over Ireland. His cousin added: “People paid their respects along the roadside and there was music for Sonny leaving the house, music in the chapel and music when his remains were placed in the ground.”

Sonny was pre-deceased by his mother Mary Kate, cousins Benny and Kathleen. He is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his cousins Tommy, Bridie, Sarah and entire circle of family, relatives and friends.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by Aidan Connolly Funeral Directors.