Statement by Minister Patrick O’Donovan on the death of Seán Ó Sé

It is with a profound sense of sadness that I learned of the passing of Seán Ó Sé, one of Ireland’s most cherished cultural icons and a true gentleman of the arts.

​Seán was more than just a singer; he was a custodian of our heritage. Through his legendary collaboration with Seán Ó Riada and Ceoltóirí Chualann, he helped ignite a revival of Irish traditional music that resonates to this day. His rendition of 'An Poc Ar Buile' remains an anthem of our shared identity—vibrant, spirited, and timeless.

​As a teacher and a performer, Seán dedicated his life to the enrichment of others. He possessed a rare ability to connect the past with the present, ensuring that our language and our songs remained living, breathing forces in modern Ireland.

​As Minister for Culture, and as a fellow Munster man who grew up listening to his incomparable voice, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Seán’s family, his many friends, and the wider traditional music community.

​Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.