On Daffodil Day, a day dedicated to hope and remembrance in Ireland, the friends and family of Cork musician Eoin French, known to fans as Talos, are sharing a deeply personal gift — his final song, We Didn’t Know We Were Ready. The hauntingly beautiful track, written as Eoin quietly battled cancer, is now being released posthumously by his brother Brian French, in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society.

Eoin, who tragically passed away in November 2023 at the age of 36, had kept his illness private. Now, this powerful song serves not only as a tribute to his musical legacy but also as a beacon of awareness and support for others facing cancer.

A Final Track with a Powerful Purpose

We Didn’t Know We Were Ready isn’t just a song — it’s a message. Recorded in the months before Eoin’s death, it captures the essence of vulnerability, fear, and the quiet strength of facing the unknown. While fans knew Talos for his rich, atmospheric soundscapes and emotional lyricism, this song reveals a deeper layer of Eoin’s soul.

Speaking about the decision to share the track, Eoin’s brother Brian said: “He never stopped creating. This song was incredibly personal to him. Releasing it now, in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society, felt like the right way to honour him and help others.”

Family, Friends, and Fans Join Together for Daffodil Day

Daffodil Day, held annually to support cancer research and services, took on special meaning this year for those who knew Eoin. As the song was shared publicly, friends, collaborators, and fans expressed their emotions online and in person.

The track was accompanied by a heartfelt visualiser that pairs his vocals with footage capturing Eoin’s quiet resilience. Brian noted: “He was calm, composed, even in the hardest times. The visuals reflect the peace he held, and the bravery that we now know he carried with him all along.”

Talos’ Legacy Lives On

Eoin French was more than a musician. A former architect and graduate of University College Cork, his work as Talos earned him international acclaim, critical praise, and a devoted following. His debut album Wild Alee was shortlisted for the Choice Music Prize in 2017, and his live shows were known for their cinematic intensity.

Behind the stage persona, though, was a man described by friends as gentle, deeply thoughtful, and humble. Music was his form of connection — and We Didn’t Know We Were Ready feels like one final conversation with the people he loved.

Fellow artists have paid tribute to Eoin, with one saying: “His music had this way of stopping you in your tracks — and this final track is no different. It’s his voice, his story, and his strength.”

From Grief to Action: Supporting Cancer Awareness Through Music

The Irish Cancer Society has welcomed the release of the song, noting its powerful message and its potential to raise vital funds and awareness. Listeners are encouraged to donate in Eoin’s memory, support families impacted by cancer, and talk more openly about the disease — something Eoin himself had kept silent.

In a statement, the charity said: “This is more than a tribute — it’s an act of love and courage. Eoin’s family are sharing something deeply personal to help others. That’s the spirit of Daffodil Day.”

A Final Message That Will Echo for Years

Eoin French didn’t speak much about his illness, but through We Didn’t Know We Were Ready, he speaks louder than ever. His lyrics, as always, are layered and poetic — but their message is clear: even in pain, there is art, and even in grief, there is hope.

As Ireland marks Daffodil Day, this song stands as a reminder that music heals, memory endures, and every voice — even one that’s gone — can still make a difference.

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