The arrival of Horslips changed the landscape of Irish rock music forever – whether by design or default, they recalibrated the form with their evolving fusion of traditional tunes, Seán Ó Riada and rock’n’roll. Along with Barry Devlin’s bass guitar and Eamon Carr’s drums, Fean provided the punchy backbone to the traditional music forged by Jim Lockhart and O’Connor. It was, however, his guitar playing on Dearg Doom – which is included on Horslips’ 1973 album, The Táin, and based on an old Irish tune, Chief O’Neill’s March – that certified his reputation.

The song elevated Fean to the ranks of international guitar heroes.

Johnny played with Paddy Goodwin many times, including Johnny’s last ever live performance which was in mcHughs, and Paddy will lead an incredible night of music celebrating all that was great about Johnny.