- Opinion
- 03 Oct 25
President Michael D. Higgins and Catherine Connolly pay tribute to Manchán Magan
"It is hard to imagine how anyone else could have made such a broad and engaging contribution in bringing the beauty, depth and vitality of the Irish language to so many people, in Ireland and beyond," President Higgins wrote.
President Michael D. Higgins and presidential candidate Catherine Connolly have paid tribute to the late Manchán Magan.
Magan died at the age of 55 in Dublin last night.
In a letter released this afternoon, President Higgins said it was "with the deepest sense of sadness" that he learned of the passing of the "incomparable" writer and filmmaker.
"Manchán was a truly singular person," Higgins wrote.
"Manchán truly lived an inspirational life and helped so many people to find a deeper meaning in their lives."
Higgins added that Magan's work was "not limited to Ireland or the Irish language" but also addressed "what we share and are connected to with all forms of life that live within native and indigenous cultures, languages and communities across the globe."
"I have no doubt that his influence will continue to live with all those whom he met in all corners of the globe," Higgins wrote.
President Higgins described first meeting Magan 30 years ago and continuing to engage with him on many occasions since, including welcoming him to Áras an Uachtaráin last autumn and winter on two occasions: once when he read an original poem for Culture night, and again to record a podcast about the Irish language and culture for The Trailblazery.
Higgins added that Magan's interest and support in his presidency was something he "sincerely valued.
"I will fondly remember all of our collaborations and all of our deeply enjoyable conversations on so many topics," Higgins said.
"I recently wrote to Manchán and took the opportunity, as President of Ireland, to acknowledge the immeasurable contribution which he has made to the Irish language and culture, opening up our collective heritage to more people than could ever have been imagined. It is a contribution for which all of us who love the language will forever be in his debt."
Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Manchán Magan https://t.co/HIVlBC2XWQ pic.twitter.com/zowem6MTkb
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) October 3, 2025
Connolly, who has been vocal about her support for Irish language initiatives, wrote in a bilingual Instagram post today that she was "immensely saddened" to learn of Magan's passing.
"He brought the Irish language to life through his work, demonstrating how language can be another lens with which to see and understand the world," Connolly said.
"For me, his enduring legacy is demonstrating the rooted connection between our language and our land, there is no distinction in Irish between the speaker and the nature around them, and few people in the world had as profound an understanding of that as Manchán."
She concluded by expressing "deepest condolences to all who loved him."
View this post on Instagram
Magan was the author of the award-winning and best-selling books Thirty-Two Words for Field (2020) and Listen to the Land Speak (2022), along with many other published works. He also created over 70 travel documentaries exploring world cultures and the effects of globalisation.
Magan also 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, Magan also shared his own rendition of KNEECAP's 'C.E.A.R.T.A', in aid of ACLAÍ Palestine.
His family confirmed he died in Dublin last night, having previously been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of prostate cancer, neuroendocrine.
He is survived by his wife Aisling, mother Cróine, brother Ruán and various other siblings and extended family members.
