- Opinion
- 03 Oct 25
Manchán Magan: Tributes paid to writer and broadcaster, who has died aged 55
In addition to his own work, Manchán memorably lent his voice to songs by the likes of KNEECAP, Clare Sands and CAOIMHÍN over the years.
Tributes are pouring in this morning, following the very sad news of the death of Manchán Magan – an award-winning writer, broadcaster and documentary-maker, whose work powerfully delved into the Irish language, as well as his travels around the world.
His family have confirmed he died in Dublin last night, aged 55, having previously been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of prostate cancer, neuroendocrine.
Manchán was the author of the award-winning and best-selling books Thirty-Two Words for Field (2020) and Listen to the Land Speak (2022). Some of his other published works included Brehons and Brahmins; Focail na mBan/Women's Words; Wolf-Men and Water Hounds; Tree Dogs, Banshee Fingers and Other Irish Words for Nature; Dána Gránna; and Sea Tamagotchi.
This summer, he presented a new two-part documentary, Listen to the Land Speak: A Journey of Return, on RTÉ One.
"As we filmed the series I was also facing my own mortality," he told RTÉ at the time. "The brokenness in our culture, our estrangement from the land, mirrors the brokenness within us. Healing – of soil or soul – requires attention, humility, love."
Manchán worked closely with numerous Irish creatives over the years – with his voice appearing on KNEECAP's 2024 debut album Fine Art, Clare Sands' 2022 self-titled LP, and CAOIMHÍN's 2024 EP Ceantar + Alltar. Back in 2022, Manchán also shared his own rendition of KNEECAP's 'C.E.A.R.T.A', in aid of ACLAÍ Palestine.
Taking to social media this morning, Tánaiste Simon Harris stated that Manchán's death is a "huge loss to Irish life and culture".
"Manchán saw the world in a unique way and that made it so fascinating to see it through his eyes," he continued. "His love of the Irish language drew so many people to his brilliant expression of its poetry."
"This is such sad news to wake up to this morning," Dublin historian and author Donal Fallon wrote in his own tribute. "Manchán was a gentleman, as well as being a tremendous broadcaster and communicator. During my time by the Tenters I loved bumping into him, and he was very generous with knowledge. The language revival owes him much...
"Manchán’s travel shows especially were a joy, allowing the space to tease out and explore things," he added. "One of our best broadcasters."
The Green Party have also shared a tribute online:
"We’re deeply saddened to hear of Manchán’s passing. A candidate for the party in 2016, he was more importantly a passionate and skilled advocate for Irish language and culture, and an appreciation for the beauty and importance of nature.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
