Tributes paid to songwriter Johnny Duhan after Galway swimming tragedy

Tributes have been paid to well-known songwriter Johnny Duhan, who died after getting into difficulty whilst swimming off the Galway coast.

The body of the 74-year-old was recovered following a search operation off the Silverstrand Beach near Barna on Tuesday morning (November 12).

Mr Duhan was best known as the writer of the song ‘The Voyage’, which was famously sung by Christy Moore.

The Limerick native worked with a number of other Irish artists such as The Dubliners and Mary Black. He also released several albums and songs of his own.

Mr Duhan moved to Co. Galway a number of years ago and was a regular swimmer.

Taoiseach Simon Harris was one of many people to pay tribute to the songwriter, describing his death as “terribly sad news”.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the Taoiseach wrote: “Johnny Duhan was a renowned and much loved songwriter. Thinking of his family and loved ones at this very sad time.”

Galway East TD Ciarán Cannon also paid tribute to Mr Duhan on X, saying: “So sorry to hear of the tragic death of Johnny Duhan, one of our most talented, a deeply reflective and kind man who had a remarkable appreciation of the beauty and complexity of life. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”

“I met Johnny for the first time 10 years ago, we played together at a Christmas party for the residents of a nursing home.”

“I was in absolute awe of a musician who had written so many beautiful songs, but this humble and sincere man put me at ease straight away. Great memories.”

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams was another who expressed his condolences, describing the Limerick native as one of Ireland’s “finest songwriters and creative writers”.

His funeral mass will take place at St. Killian’s Church, New Inn on Friday, 15 November, and will be followed by burial afterwards in Killaan Cemetery, Woodlawn.

Mr Duhan was one of two people reported missing by Gardaí in separate incidents at Silverstrand Beach on Tuesday 12 November.

The other swimmer, believed to be a woman in her 30s, is still missing and the search for her resumed on Wednesday morning.