Gavin was keen to share his love of music with future generations
RENOWNED Irish musician Gavin Ralston passed away after a long battle with illness.
Originally from Rathfarnham in Dublin, Gavin made his home in Newtownmountkennedy, where he lived with his wife Sinéad and kids, Meabh and Donie (Murray).
Gavin was involved in the Irish music industry for over 25 years and performed and toured with well-known acts like Sharon Shannon, Eimear Quinn, The Waterboys, Clannad and Bagatelle. He also recorded and produced numerous household names, including Ronnie Drew, Bagatelle, The Coronas and Grammy award nominated Vanessa Williams. His brother Aongus is the bass player for The Waterboys.
Gavin was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2014 and a fundraising show to help with his treatment was held in April of this year in Vicar Street. The Gig for Gav featured performances from Mundy, Mary Black, The Waterboys, Paul Harrington, Cormac Begley and others.
Gavin published a tutor book, CD and DVD on Irish Traditional guitar playing, which is regarded as one of the finest books of its type ever to be published. He also wrote a series of articles on home recording for The Irish Music magazine.
During his career, Gavin recorded with many musicians including Phil Coulter, featured with Sinead O Connor, played piano on Luan Parle’s top 10 selling hit ‘Ghost’, and had over 70 album credits to his name. He also performed in numerous theatrical and dance shows, including Brecht’s Mother Courage, Michael Flatley’s Celtic Tiger and Rubato Dance Company’s flamenco dance show Bull Dance.
He was involved in IMRO sponsored song writing and production work-shops with Luan Parle which toured nation-wide, including a number of Wicklow locations.
Gavin established Silverwood Studios in Newtownmountkennedy and worked in the recording studio with both emerging and established talent. Ronnie Drew’s final album, ‘Ronnie Drew, The Last Session – A Fond Farewell’, was recorded in the studios months before Ronnie passed away from cancer. He was also recording the debut album by The Receipts, a Dublin band who reformed four years ago after a break of over 20 years.
A natural-born teacher, Gavin was involved with Music Generation Wicklow, through which he shared his love of music with future generations.
Gavin is sadly missed by his wife Sinéad, kids Meabh and Donie (Murray), his parents Seosaimhin (Ní Bheaglaoich) Gavin Ralston SC, Joanne, brother Aongus, nephew Séan, Muintir Bheaglaoich and all his many friends and extended family worldwide.
His funeral took place at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Merrion Road, followed by burial at Kilternan Cemetery Park.