Tributes pour in for Sharon Shannon's manager who died from lung cancer

TRIBUTES have been paid to Sharon Shannon’s manager and friend, John Dunford.

Originally from Castlebar in Co Mayo, Dunford was well known to the Irish music scene as he worked alongside Sharon Shannon and Mike Scott of The Waterboys.

John Dunford passed peacefully on November 18, surrounded by his loving family in the Blackrock Hospice, after battling with lung cancer.

In a tribute posted on Facebook, Sharon Shannon said:  “I have some sad news in case some of you hadn't heard yet. Our great friend (my friend and manager for the last 35 years) John Dunford was diagnosed with lung cancer only 2 months ago and it advanced really quickly.  He went into Hospice last Monday and he slipped away peaceful Saturday morning surrounded by his loving family. We are all heartbroken.”

Staff of the Dublin music venue, Whelans, also paid tribute to the passing of their friend.

“So saddened at the sudden passing of our friend John Dunford. John was Sharon Shannon's manager and was an influential character with the Waterboys, esp during the recording of Fishermans Blues. And what a character, so full of life and enthusiasm. We learned so much from him over the years, and were honoured to have known him. He will be sadly missed. Our deepest condolences to all John's family and friends and also to Sharon and the band,” they posted alongside a picture of Dunford and Shannon.

Predeceased by his parents Stephen and Bernie, his brothers Steve and Tom, and nephew Kevin.

John lived every minute of his life to the full and was a generous, loving man who will be deeply missed by his wife Hilly, daughters Becky, Hannah, Katy and Emily, sons-in-law Niall and Craig, grandchildren Shay, Jude and Sid, brother Chuck, sister Derval, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, his entire extended family and many close friends.

John’s career was varied and successful, including playing a leading role in the Irish music scene, teaching and lecturing, and a stretch as a salty sea captain.