There is widespread sadness among the local community and the music industry following the passing of legendary musician Ted Ponsonby.
From the ‘foot of the town’ in Letterkenny, Ted was a master musician, engineer and producer.
The son of Molly and Terry Ponsonby, music was never going to miss young Ted.
His father Terry as well as uncles Willie, Eamon and Ina formed The Ponsonby Showband and so music was always in the veins.
Growing up Ted was never a fan of the books or school as he famously recalled to local reporter Paddy Walsh in The Townie section of the Letterkenny Live newspaper.
He recalled on one occasion when a particularly cruel teacher picked on him and felt justified when mum Molly settled the score on her terms.
Having left the Old Tech at Ard O’Donnell aged just 15, Ted immediately took to a life of music that would see him hailed as one of the finest ever to come out of Donegal.
A hugely gifted musician and singer who was taught guitar by Hugh McClean, Ted will be remembered by many who saw him perform live specialising in a number of instruments including acoustic and electric guitars, and the Dobro resonator.
He was a member of so many bands including The Rascals, The Denver Show Band and the brilliantly named The Famesuckers.
Son of Molly and Terry Ponsonby, Ted’s siblings included Terry, the late Paul, and Don, sisters Carmel and Anius.
Ted found the love of his life when he met his future wife Marylin Bruiment, a native of Normandy.
The couple have one daughter, Sarah, also a hugely talented musician.
During the Covid lockdown, Ted and Sarah recorded an album of songs entitled ‘Brakin Trad’ which was a huge hit for those who followed them on You Tube.
In playing with her dad, Sarah was following in the footsteps of so many who marvelled and played with Ted over the years including Van Morrison, Frances Black, Tommy Fleming, Kieran Goss, Freddie White and Sean Keane to name just a few.
He enjoyed nothing more than a cuppa in Macs Deli on High Road in Letterkenny and his dry sense of humour meant you didn’t need a knife to cut your scone if you met Ted.
Modesty and musicians aren’t often spoken of in the same sentence but Ted Ponsonby was an exception to that.
May he rest in peace.
His funeral details are yet to be announced.
