When I was 17 year old at St Philips Sixth Form College in 1977 in Birmingham, Danny joined as an English Teacher. I have tremendous memories of him from that time. Danny wrote a brilliant musical which we performed at Newman College to sold out audiences. We regularly used to go back to Danny’s flat off Hagley Road. I also played flute in a resident club band in Birmingham at the time. Danny and other members of staff would often come and see us play. Danny also directed his own arrangement of the Cuchullan cycle of plays which I also played in. I just wanted to say (nearly 50 years ago) what warm memories of Danny I have. As a musician in his plays and musicals, in retrospect we were so lucky to work with such a creative whirlwind. I enjoyed the craic with Danny and heard about his passing with both sorrow and joy. A fine fellow.

Paul Stewart

Via Facebook I have only just found out the very sad news that Daniel passed away last May after his courageous battle with cancer. I was so very fortunate back in September 1986 to start my very first job working as Daniel’s secretary at Queen Alexandra College part of the Birmingham Royal Institue for the Blind. A very very special man who will always have a special place in my heart for creating and supporting my career at the age of 16! I am still working as a PA all these years later. I remember typing his dissertation on Whinpark and the Diver family. He introduced my love of Van Morrison and Nanci Griffith musically too. Rest in Peace Daniel - you were one very special person indeed, a true gentleman.✝️ Love & Luck (as you always used to say) Catherine Beasley xxx

Catherine Beasley