Tributes paid to Manx folk musician John Kaneen

John Kaneen was a champion of folk music on the Isle of Man

The "enormous contribution" to Manx culture by folk musician and broadcaster John Kaneen has been praised following his death at the age of 82.

A singer, dancer, musician, event organiser and researcher, Mr Kaneen presented Manx Radio’s weekly Folk Show for 45 years until 2022.

His funeral service took place at Trinity Methodist Church in Douglas earlier, following his death on 20 August.

Culture Vannin said he was "a larger than life character" and "a generous font of knowledge on folk song and balladry".

The cultural organisation sad Mr Kaneen had also supported keeping traditions such as Hunt the Wren and the traditional ball game cammag alive, and had helped to shape the development of the Manx folk dance movement.

In a tribute online, Culture Vannin said: "His encouragement of young musicians must be recognised too.

"He regularly featured up and coming bands on his folk show, as well as organising for high profile folk musicians to perform on the island."

In 2019, the folk musician was awarded the Isle of Man's most prestigious cultural award, the Reih Bleeaney Vanannan, for his contribution to the music scene.

After receiving the award, Mr Kaneen said he had done it all for the "enjoyment and pleasure" that he had continued to get from his music and dance.

The Folk Show on Manx Radio was presented by John Kaneen for 45 years

Also paying tribute online, Manx Radio said Mr Kaneen had had "an incredible four and a half decades on air" and a "very loyal following, with many of his listeners "tuning in from further afield".

The presenter would also will be fondly remembered as a "lynchpin of the Calor Gas Ceilidh Band" who he had led "many a rousing ceilidh", the station said.

"John made an enormous contribution to Manx culture and it’s impossible to sum up his passion and commitment in just a few paragraphs - we know he’ll be sorely missed," it added.