National Concert Hall and Jacknife Lee pay tribute to Cathal Coughlan

Further tributes have been paid, following news of the death of Irish singer-songwriter Cathal Coughlan – with his Telefís collaborator Jacknife Lee and the National Concert Hall among those sharing statements online.

In a statement released yesterday, it was announced that Coughlan – famed for his work as a solo artist, as well as with Microdisney, Fatima Mansions, and Telefís – passed away, aged 61. He died in hospital on May 18, following a long illness.

Last night, Jacknife Lee shared a statement on the Twitter page of Telefís – a duo the Irish producer had formed with Coughlan. They released a hAon, their debut album under the moniker, earlier this year.

"After a lengthy illness Cathal Coughlan died on the 18th of May," Jacknifee Lee's statement reads. "He was one of the best songwriters Ireland produced. He was also one of the kindest, most compassionate, caring, and gentlest people I’ve met. Celebrate the unique and wonderful life and work of Cathal Coughlan."

After a lengthy illness Cathal Coughlan died on the 18th of May. He was one of the best songwriters Ireland produced. He was also one of the kindest, most compassionate, caring, and gentlest people I’ve met. Celebrate the unique and wonderful life and work of Cathal Coughlan. JL pic.twitter.com/aC6xD8nmxp

— Telefís (@telefis1961) May 23, 2022

The National Concert Hall also shared a statement on social media, stating that they were "deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cathal Coughlan."

"The enduring appeal of his music was evidenced with a reunion concert with Microdisney at the National Concert Hall in 2018 when they were awarded the inaugural NCH/IMRO Trailblazer Award, recognising the enduring appeal and legacy of their music," the statement continues. "Cathal last performed on the National Concert Hall stage in 2019 when he joined Ute Lemper, Einstürzende Neubauten’s Blixa Bargeld, post-modern diva Meow Meow, and Irish singer and actress Camille O’Sullivan and Gavin Friday for a concert of Bertolt Brecht songs and poems for 2019."

“Cathal was an iconic Irish singer-songwriter who made his mark on the cultural landscape in Ireland and the UK through his songwriting and performances with Microdisney, Fatima Mansions and as a solo artist," Maura McGrath (Chair, NCH) and Robert Read (CEO, NCH) comment. "He will always be remembered as a unique talent who has left a great legacy, one that will be cherished and lauded for decades to come."

"Cathal Coughlan’s loss will be deeply felt amongst the wider music industry," the statement concludes. "We wish to extend our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in Peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis."

The Waterboys' Mike Scott has also paid tribute.

"Travel on well, Cathal Coughlan," he wrote on Twitter. "And may the good St Peter meet you at the gates with a 'Cathal Coughlan: Wilkommen' sign."

Broadcaster and Something Happens singer Tom Dunne stated that he was "heartbroken and shocked to hear" what was "the worst possible news."

"I think it's fair to say we are all rocked on our heels by this news," Dunne resumed. "Hard to express what he meant to us all, I saw him as our brightest, our best, and I felt proud of him. Odd to say that maybe, but the truth."

You can read more tributes to Coughlan here.