Man who died while swimming off Galway coast named as renowned singer-songwriter

A man who died while swimming in Silver Strand in Galway, Ireland, has been identified as singer-songwriter Johnny Duhan, 74, who had written songs recorded by artists such as Christy Moore, The Dubliners and Mary Black.

On Tuesday (12 November), Johnny's body was recovered from the water close to Silver Strand by RNLI and taken to Galway University Hospital. He is survived by his wife Maureen and their five children.

While national police were at the scene where Johnny died, they became aware that a woman had entered the water and failed to return from a swim. A search will resume on Wednesday for the woman, who has also been reported missing in the area.

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Johnny was made famous by Christy Moore, while he had also recorded a number of albums as a singer himself.

Following the news, tributes have poured in for him, with Simon Harris, the Prime Minister of Ireland writing on X: "Terribly sad news tonight from Galway. Johnny Duhan was a renowned and much loved songwriter. Thinking of his family and loved ones at this very sad time. The young woman who is still missing remains in our thoughts tonight".

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Another Twitter user added: "Very sad to hear the news that the great Johnny Duhan has died in Galway following a tragic swimming accident May he rest in peace #Limerick #LimerickLegend #TheVoyage
'With no maps to guide us we steered our own course. Rode out the storms when the winds were gale force'."

While Maria Donoghue, Independent Counsellor Limerick City West, also wrote: "So sorry to hear that the esteemed Son of Wolfe Tone Street, Johnny Duhan, passed away tragically today. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace."

Sinn Fein senator Paul Gavan said it was “very sad news”. He added: “I saw him play live in the 1980s a number of times in Limerick. A great writer and performer and a warm and thoughtful man.”

Meanwhile, former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams also wrote on X: “I’m really sorry to hear of the death of Johnny Duhan. One of our finest songwriters and creative writers.”