I first met Derek on the MA in Music Technology program where he was the multimedia teacher. His lectures were always so interesting and the discussions were excellent, he was a naturally curious person himself and was always keen to find the next cutting edge thing and evolve. At the time he was working with Paul in Optophonic, I recall being very impressed with his setup there and how they managed to run a creative business utilizing their respective talents. Derek was so open and encouraging - I remember being despondent when I finished the course as there were no studio jobs going in Dublin, but Derek encouraged me to set up my own business and give it a go myself. I took his advice and it changed my life, so he had a very real and meaningful impact on my career trajectory. In future years he would come into our studio on occasion to record and it was always simply a pleasure to be in his company. His musical skill speaks for itself, he was a truly multi talented and highly creative person, but most importantly I think he was so kind and genuinely interested in everyone that it would be impossible to find someone with a bad word to say about him. He will be missed, by our MA group and all who knew him. Gone too soon, my sincerest condolences to his family and close friends.