Culture
27 Jan 21

Tributes paid to Cork soprano Cara O'Sullivan, who has died aged 59

"She had a beautiful voice and the warmest personality," says Taoiseach Micheál Martin. "Cork is very proud of her legacy and I will always value our friendship."

Tributes have been pouring in for Cork soprano Cara O'Sullivan – who died at Marymount University Hospice in Cork on Tuesday, January 26, surrounded by her family. The internationally acclaimed singer had retired from performing in 2018, after being diagnosed with early onset dementia.

O'Sullivan, a graduate of the Cork School of Music, performed in renowned venues across the world over the course of her remarkable career – including the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall, and the Paris Opera.

Fellow Cork native, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, stated that he was "deeply saddened" to hear of her death.

"She had a beautiful voice and the warmest personality," he added. "Cork is very proud of her legacy and I will always value our friendship."

Deeply saddened to hear of the death of soprano Cara O’Sullivan. She had a beautiful voice and the warmest personality. Cork is very proud of her legacy and I will always value our friendship. Deepest sympathy to Christine and her wider family. R.I.P. Cara.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 26, 2021

O'Sullivan was also a well-known supporter of Munster Rugby – and has been remembered by the team as "the voice & curtain raiser to so many of our greatest days in red."

Very sad to hear the news of Cara O'Sullivan's passing.

The voice & curtain raiser to so many of our greatest days in red 🚩

Thoughts with her family & friends.

Rest in peace Cara🌹 #SUAF 🔴 https://t.co/Zwl96YEUho

— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) January 26, 2021

Cara O'Sullivan: O Mio Babbino Caro https://t.co/nUwIEgcjMI via @YouTube
Rest In Peace. You will be dearly missed. Voice of an angel.

— Ronan O Gara (@RonanOGara10) January 26, 2021

So sad to hear of the passing of Cara O’Sullivan. A beautiful voice and the kindest person. We will never forget the emotional energy she created before our games “Until you hear that bell, that final bell,
Stand up and fight like hell!”
RIP Cara. pic.twitter.com/TqSo7Zoo0w

— Donncha O'Callaghan (@docallaghan4) January 26, 2021

See more tributes to Cara O'Sullivan below:

Lovely company always. pic.twitter.com/vcatcwakiQ

— Marty Whelan (@martylyricfm) January 27, 2021

Truly saddened to learn of the too early passing of the larger than life Cara O’Sullivan. Cara was the epitome of Cork, opera, fun, life and her presence always lit up the room. My year as Lord Mayor was enhanced by her enchanting voice. Cara will be leading the choir of angels. pic.twitter.com/QPs1xzuvp4

— John Buttimer (@johnbuttimer) January 26, 2021

The National Concert Hall is deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Cork soprano Cara O’Sullivan. pic.twitter.com/0fgK5BdDv5

— National Concert Hall (@NCH_Music) January 26, 2021

Very sad to hear of the passing of Cork’s own international superstar, Cara O’Sullivan...from the main opera house in Cork to the one in Sydney, she graced every stage with charm, wit and technical brilliance. Farewell to Cork’s Diva...Visi D’arte @corkcitycouncil pic.twitter.com/E31lOuwtti

— Mick Finn (@mickfinn01) January 26, 2021

We are so very saddened at the loss of Cara O’Sullivan.

Immensely talented and greatly loved, she last sang at the gallery in 2018 when, accompanied by Michael Joyce, she performed a selection of operatic arias.

Our deepest condolences to her family and many friends. RIP Cara. pic.twitter.com/VFazsaVH1B

— Crawford Art Gallery (@CrawfordArtGall) January 26, 2021