Tributes paid to "the voice of the arts in Cork" Elmarie Mawe, who has died

Tributes are pouring in this afternoon, following the sad news of the death of Elmarie Mawe – a well-known figure in the Cork arts scene, as the presenter of The Arts House on Cork's 96FM and C103.

As well as working as a broadcaster in the city for over 25 years, Elmarie was also an actor, a teacher, a musician, and a popular event MC. In 2023, she was honoured at the Lord Mayor's Civic Awards, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the arts through her radio show.

Last year, she spoke openly about undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer, which had returned for the fourth time since 2018.

Cork's 96FM and C103 have stated they are "devastated to hear about the passing of Elmarie Mawe."

"As the long-time presenter of The Arts House here on Cork's 96FM, she spent almost 3 decades spotlighting and supporting Cork’s vibrant cultural scene.

"A PPI & IMRO Radio Award winner and a primary school teacher, Elmarie was a defining voice of Sunday morning radio, bringing local theatre, literature, and music into thousands of homes across the city and county.

"Loyal listeners, Cork performers and those in the radio and entertainment industry will remember her warmth and resilience, her beautiful voice and great sense of humour, which all cement her status as one of Cork radio's most beloved figures."

The team at The Everyman in Cork have also paid tribute to Elmarie today, describing her as "the voice of the arts in Cork".

"Elmarie was a passionate advocate for the arts and for our city, a consummate professional, and a welcoming host and interviewer," their statement reads.

"We’re honoured to say that Elmarie had a long history with The Everyman: she graced our stage on many occasions, both as an actor and narrator of concerts; and it was in our theatre bar where she first met her husband and long-time collaborator, Conor Tallon, in 1997 after a performance of The Stepping Stone by G.P. Gallivan, in which Elmarie was starring.

"We will her miss Elmarie dearly. Sunday mornings on the radio and opening nights at the theatre won’t be the same without her. We send our deepest condolences to her husband Conor Tallon, her family and friends, and the staff of Cork’s 96FM and C103."

Cork's Triskel Arts Centre have said that there "is a little bit less sunshine in the world today with the loss of Elmarie."

"She was a true champion of the arts, a genuinely lovely person and everyone at Triskel is deeply saddened," their tribute continues. "We express our sincere condolences to Conor, her family, friends and all those who loved her."

Sheena Crowley, who runs the famous Crowleys Music Centre in Cork, has remarked that "if there are angels on earth, she was one of them."

"A hugely great human, full of love and generosity," Sheena said of Elmarie. "When you think about all that she has done for the arts – it is immeasurable. She was just incredible. A breath of fresh air. A sunbeam. Whenever she called she brought flowers or chocolates.

"My heart breaks for Conor Tallon, her family, her friends, all the musicians she has done so much for, and of course for Sunday mornings in the City of Cork."