Culture
08 Nov 18

Tributes Pour in For Composer Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin

Following the sad news of the passing of beloved composer Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin on the 7th November 2019 tributes have been coming in from across the country.

Among the tributes, Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin expressed his deep sadness following the death of the musician, composer and academic.

Deputy Martin said, “Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin was an extraordinary musician and true pioneer. We have lost a very special artist.

“His understanding of our music and his ability to fuse traditional and classical forms captured audiences in Ireland and around the world.

“His talent as a teacher was also unparalleled, inspiring generations of young men and women with a love of music to embrace and explore their craft. As a founding member and director of University of Limerick’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, Mícheál leaves a great legacy behind him and his talent will live on through the students who pass through its doors.

“I want to extend my sympathies to Mícheál’s family and friends and to the wider music and arts community.

“Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

The Arts Council has also expressed their sadness at Mícheál's passing.

Sheila Pratschke, Chair of the Arts Council said, “Mícheál made a great and distinctive contribution to Ireland’s cultural life through his many gifts as a composer, musician, academic, broadcaster and educator. Interweaving his classical music training with a deep love, respect and knowledge of traditional music and song, he was a distinctive and important voice in Irish music and music education. A dynamic personality, full of positive energy and humour and with a great gift for communication and friendship, Mícheál leaves a rich body of work and a great legacy of inspiration as a musician, educator and friend which will undoubtedly carry through generations to come. Ar dheis Dé goraibha anamuasal."

Mayor of Limerick, James Collins expressed his condolences, commenting on Mícheál's infectious passion for music.

Collins wrote, “On behalf of the people of Limerick I would like to express sympathy to the family of Mícheál following his death."

“Our thoughts are with his wife Helen, their son Luke, sons Eoin and Mícheál (Moley), their mother Nóirín, and his brother John at this very sad time.”

“Mícheál moved to Limerick in 1994 to become the first Chair of Music at the University of Limerick. He founded the Irish World Music Centre, which has since become the Irish World Academy and was Emeritus Professor at the Academy.”

“His love of music was infectious with the University of Limerick quickly becoming an important centre for the teaching and learning of music and dance worldwide.”

“Limerick has been made all the better for having Mícheál here. His passion and drive for music and performance have been woven into the fabric of Limerick’s rich cultural tapestry while he was hugely instrumental in the relocation of the Irish Chamber Orchestra from Dublin to Limerick.”

“Mícheál was awarded a Mayoral Reception in June 2017, in recognition of his major contribution to the musical cannon of Ireland and his contribution to the cultural life in Limerick”.

“He will be sadly missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis”

His former colleague Dr. Elaine Byrne posted on Twitter that, "he made everywhere alive with music".

What sad news. RIP Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin. His office was across mine for five years at @UL. He made everywhere alive with music - the lunchtime FB sessions, in the evenings at the Church in the city, his family. Even the UL bridge is musical in structure.

— Elaine Byrne (@ElaineByrne) November 8, 2018

The tributes have been coming in steadily from groups and individuals across social media:

We are very saddened to hear this news. Mícheál performed at our 2017 Masters of Tradition and was a favourite with our festival audiences. https://t.co/SaXFnFU1dX

— West Cork Chamber Music Festival (@Westcorkmusic) November 8, 2018

Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin 1950–2018, former Chairperson of the ITMA Board. pic.twitter.com/0B5qmsL832

— ITMA (@ITMADublin) November 8, 2018

r dheis an gaoth go raibh a anam. Micheal O' Suilleabhain, a more humble artist I have never known.A privilege&inspiration to study under&work with Micheál, without his vision I honestly do not know What I'd have done with my life. What a great legacy loss.& Gura maith agat, MOS

— JulesCM78 (@JulesCM78) November 8, 2018

very sad to hear about Micheál Ó Súilleabháin. His Phd thesis on Tommie Potts really blew open how I think about Irish traditional music. RIP.

— Amanda Feery (@amandafeery) November 8, 2018

So emotional listening to this, from his play you could tell he had heaven in his heart. Sleep on Micheal , your journey here on earth was hugely felt by the entire world. The academy has your presence even in it’s smallest piece, you will be... https://t.co/Y8t8MIgH6u

— David Idioh 🇮🇪🇳🇬 (@DavidIdioh) November 8, 2018

RTÉ recently tweeted that they will pay tribute to the composer tonight: