Family of late Cork singer partner with Irish Cancer Society for Daffodil day 

The family of the late Cork musician Eoin French, also known as Talos, are marking Daffodil Day by sharing his song We Didn’t Know We Were Ready in support of the Irish Cancer Society.

Daffodil Day, taking place today, raises vital funds for free cancer support services and life-changing research across Ireland.

Following Eoin’s death from cancer in August 2024, aged 36, the song was completed and now features his lead vocals alongside his friends, family, and collaborators. Eoin’s younger brother, Brían French, said: “Partnering with the Irish Cancer Society to share Eoin’s music feels like the right thing to do.

“Cancer has touched so many families, ours included, and we’ve seen up close the care and support that’s needed.

“We miss Eoin every day. But to know that his music might offer some comfort, or connection, to others, it means a lot."

Incredible work

“This Daffodil Day, we’re sharing Eoin’s music as a way of remembering him. It also feels right to shine a light on the Irish Cancer Society. They do incredible work, and if this moment encourages people to support them and donate, we’re grateful.”

We Didn’t Know We Were Ready was written by Eoin and Icelandic artist Ólafur Arnalds, alongside Niamh Regan and Ye Vagabonds.

Averil Power, Irish Cancer Society CEO, thanked the family, Ólafur Arnalds, OPIA Community, Mercury KX, and Eoin’s management for agreeing to partner on this project.

“We’re grateful to be able to help share Eoin’s music and mark his legacy this Daffodil Day. We Didn’t Know We Were Ready is a very moving and unique piece of artistry and we hope to raise vital funds for the services, support, and research provided by the society,” she said.

“It’s expected that 44,000 people in Ireland will hear the words ‘you’ve got cancer’ this year, with one in two Irish people expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. We want to be there to provide our free services and support for every single one of those people.

“With typically only 5% of our funding coming from Government, we urgently need the support of people across Ireland, and that’s why we’re asking people to go all-in this Daffodil Day and donate today.”