He was born in Dublin to John William Duff, a native of King's County (now County Offaly), and his wife Annie Kathleen Hickey. Duff was a chorister in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin and studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music under Charles Herbert Kitson. He completed his education at Trinity College, Dublin where he obtained his primary degree in arts and music. In 1942, he was awarded a doctorate in music following an examination.
In 1923 he joined the Irish Army. He served as bandmaster in the Army School of Music. Following his resignation from the army in 1931 Duff turned to the theatre, writing incidental music for a number of plays. In 1937 Duff joined Radio Éireann as the station's first music producer and went on to become assistant director of music in 1945.
Duff met Frances Emma Ferris, daughter of the United States Consul General in Ireland.
He married Frances Emma Ferris, daughter of the United States Consul General in Ireland on 6 November 1929, and a daughter, Sylvia, was born to the couple in October 1930. However, Duff and his wife separated in December 1931 and Frances and Sylivia moved permanently to the United States.
He died at The Adelaide Hospital. His last residence was 5 Crofton Mansions, Dun Laoghaire.
Causeof death was lung cancer, with secondary liver cancer.
His 86 year old mother died 6 days before he did.
He was born in Dublin to John William Duff, a native of King's County (now County Offaly), and his wife Annie Kathleen Hickey. Duff was a chorister in Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin and studied at the Royal Irish Academy of Music under Charles Herbert Kitson. He completed his education at Trinity College, Dublin where he obtained his primary degree in arts and music. In 1942, he was awarded a doctorate in music following an examination.
In 1923 he joined the Irish Army. He served as bandmaster in the Army School of Music. Following his resignation from the army in 1931 Duff turned to the theatre, writing incidental music for a number of plays. In 1937 Duff joined Radio Éireann as the station's first music producer and went on to become assistant director of music in 1945.
Duff met Frances Emma Ferris, daughter of the United States Consul General in Ireland.
He married Frances Emma Ferris, daughter of the United States Consul General in Ireland on 6 November 1929, and a daughter, Sylvia, was born to the couple in October 1930. However, Duff and his wife separated in December 1931 and Frances and Sylivia moved permanently to the United States.
He died at The Adelaide Hospital. His last residence was 5 Crofton Mansions, Dun Laoghaire.
Causeof death was lung cancer, with secondary liver cancer.
His 86 year old mother died 6 days before he did.
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