Music
23 May 22

Tributes paid to Cathal Coughlan following news of his death, aged 61

Cathal Coughlan performs at Change The World Brecht Night at NCH, Dublin 14.9.2019 Copyright Colm Kelly

Whipping Boy, Tim Burgess, Sinéad Gleeson, Pete Holidai, Whelan’s and more have paid tribute to the iconic Irish singer-songwriter.

Tributes continue to pour in for Cathal Coughlan, following news of the renowned Irish singer-songwriter's death, aged 61.

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

Hot Press's Stuart Clark is among those who have paid tribute following the news.

"Devastated to hear that Cathal Coughlan has died," he wrote. "One of the great rock 'n' roll mavericks. A contrarian who was also a lovely, lovely person. I always called him the Greatest Living Corkman – now he's a new domain to rule over."

Irish band Whipping Boy have also shared a statement online.

"We are all shocked & saddened to hear this awful news," they remarked. "Microdisney. Fatima Mansions. A hugely talented songwriter. A unique & uncompromising voice on the Irish music scene. RIP Cathal."

Writer, editor and broadcaster Sinéad Gleeson described his passing as "such awful news."

"Cathal made so much brilliant music – solo, Fatima Mansions, Microdisney – that was political, comic, plaintive," she continued. "Condolences to his family and friends. Also, the first musician I ever interviewed (I was terrified, but he was a gentleman)."

Tim Burgess – host of Tim's Listening Party and lead singer of The Charlatans – remembers him as a "genius".

"Cathal Coughlan, music genius, has left this realm," he stated. "His brilliant songs remain. Play them loud and remember him."

Dublin music venue Whelan's described Coughlan as "an extremely talented songwriter & lyricist and a great frontman."

Pete Holidai of The Trouble Pilgrims (and formerly the Radiators from Space) wrote: "If you need to understand musical integrity, listen to anything that Cathal Coughlan was involved in."

French singer-songwriter and football journalist Philippe Auclair (aka Louis Philippe) has also paid tribute.

"Cathal Coughlan has died; died, not 'passed away', as he wouldn't stand for euphemistic bullshit: he was the truth," Philippe wrote on Twitter. "He was an extraordinary singer, lyricist and composer; he was also one of the most beautiful human beings I've ever met. Adieu l'ami."

Listowel venue Mike The Pies stated that they were "absolutely gutted", while broadcaster and Hothouse Flowers member Fiachna Ó Braonáin described it as "such terribly sad news."

"Can't believe this..." Fiachna wrote. "Too young and so much left to do. I love Cathal's recent music with Telefís... – absolutely vital music."

See more tributes to Cathal Coughlan below:

Cathal Coughlan has died. I’m numb with shock. The Fatima Mansions were one of the greatest groups I ever had the privilege to see, and Cathal was an astonishing singer, frontman and lyricist. His new work is brilliant too. Will be blasting these and others out in his honour. RIP pic.twitter.com/IJeEZJHy9D

— Anthony Gregory (@anthonyegregory) May 23, 2022

One of the greatest honours of working on The @LlSTENlNG_PARTY is to be able to share time with some of our heroes. Cathal Coughlan was certainly one of those.

Rest easy man x x

You’re a genius, you’re a giant 💔 pic.twitter.com/Jg5NV6wjYh

— Tim's Listening Party (@LlSTENlNG_PARTY) May 23, 2022

Such sad news about Cathal Coughlan. I was a teenage Microdisney fan. Recall a Dublin show back in 80’s and then driving down to Tralee to see them again. A gentleman. #CathalCoughlan pic.twitter.com/BUiGSfkyM1

— Ken Sweeney (@KenSweeney) May 23, 2022

Such sad news to hear of the passing of one of Cork's greatest lyricists & performers. Cathal Coughlan's latest work as @telefis1961 is nothing but brilliant & shows how relevant & inventive he remained since his Microdisney and The Fatama Mansions days. A great loss to music.

— Dr Susan O'Shea (@SOSheaSNA) May 23, 2022

Gone way too soon. I know wherever you are now Cathal you'll be raising holy hell. Rest easy and thank you for the music. https://t.co/v1CbytNTKd

— 🇺🇦 Underground Jukebox 🇺🇦 (@clevelandbeyond) May 23, 2022