CHRISTY MOORE has led the tributes to leading Irish guitarist and session player Jimmy Faulkner, who has died.
Faulkner played with Moore on many occasions. In a statement on Moore's website, the late guitarist was described as a "wonderful musician". Faulkner would "always be remembered with love, as a close friend and wonderful musician . . . May you rest in peace comrade," the statement said.
Faulkner was renowned for his mastery of the blues and over the years performed with Luka Bloom, Donal Lunny, Mary Coughlan, Paul Brady and Mick Hanley. Prior to his death he had his own band - Jimmy Faulkner and the Houseshakers.
It is understood that Faulkner was admitted to hospital last week and was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer.
He fell into a coma and never regained consciousness.
Friends said it is likely that his funeral Mass will take place at the weekend.
Faulkner was known for his skills as a folk, classical and jazz guitarist. He has been described as a "musician's musician who shunned any form of self promotion". His last live performance was on December 29th.
RTÉ presenter Ronan Collins said Faulkner was the "ultimate side man. He had no interest in the limelight and was a real working musician."
Faulkner started his career in the late 1960s and was a younger contemporary of Phil Lynott, Gary Moore and Brush Shiels.