Tribute paid to John Lynch ahead of music festival

Tribute has been paid to the late John Lynch by colleague John Finucane, principal clarinet with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra and founder of the Music in Monkstown festival.

The bodies of Mr Lynch and his partner Kevin Devine were recovered from the sea off Mavros Molos beach on Kissamos Bay in Crete on August 29th last . The men got into difficulties amid strong waves on the beach.

Mr Lynch, who was born in Melbourne, Australia, played viola with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra. On Sunday September 14th next he was due to give a performance on the viola with the RIAM Chamber Ensemble at the inaugural Music in Monkstown festival in the Co Dublin village's Church of Ireland parish church.

On the MiM Facebook page Mr Finucane, who also plays clarinet with the RIAM Chamber Ensemble, said "my friend and colleague, John Lynch, lost his life attempting to save his partner Kevin whilst on holidays last week. He is missed by each and every one of us and my deepest condolences go out to his family.

“He was to have taken part in the final concert of the Music In Monkstown festival and despite the tragedy, we feel that John would have wished the concert to take place. The Brahms songs with viola will not now be played but another work will take its place and will be performed in tribute to him.”

The festival takes place from Friday next September 12th to Sunday September 14th, inclusive. It will include performances by pianist Finghin Collins, soprano Claudia Boyle, the London-based Navara String Quartet, and the RIAM Chamber Ensemble.