The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today expressed the province�s deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Dermot O�Reilly, a music legend in this province. He passed away Saturday.

"Dermot O�Reilly became an icon of Irish music in Newfoundland and Labrador and made a profound contribution to the music industry in this province," Premier Williams said. "Dermot's lasting legacy is one that had an impact on me personally, and I will always remember his spirit, talent and gifts to Newfoundland and Labrador's cultural community. On behalf of the people of the province, I want to extend our condolences to his family and the entire music community who are mourning the passing of one of their own."

Mr. O�Reilly arrived in the province from Ireland with his fellow band mates Fergus O�Byrne and Denis Ryan in 1971. As Ryan�s Fancy, the folk trio produced some 14 albums while enjoying huge popularity in this province and across Canada. In 2004 the group received a lifetime achievement award from the East Coast Music Association.

Mr. O�Reilly also had a successful solo career and as both musician and producer, was a great influence on generations of musicians.

"Dermot O�Reilly�s love of music was obvious in the heartfelt vocal delivery of every song he wrote and performed in his gifted guitar playing. The compositions of this talented songwriter, such as West Country Lady have become folk classics," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation. "His passing is a great loss, but his contribution to the music industry in this province will continue through his music legacy."

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2007 02 18 3:00 p.m.