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Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Seán Stafford

Date: Wed 26th Aug, 2020 | 07:13

It is with deep regret and much sadness that I have learned of the death of Seán Stafford.

For almost sixty years, Seán Stafford acted, produced and worked in a number of management roles in An Taibhdhearc, The National Irish Language Theatre. A high point of his career as a producer was the play “Mise Raifteirí an File” by Criostóir Ó Floinn, in which Mick Lally played the lead role, but Seán will be remembered best for the support,  encouragement and opportunity that he provided for hundreds of actors, playwrights and directors to practice their craft through the Irish language and for the joy this brought to audiences over the decades.

With his wife, Máire, who predeceased him, Seán had a hugely positive influence on cultural life and on the Arts in Ireland. As a Nation, we are indebted to them both.

Seán was a good friend to Sabina and me and we would like to express our deepest sympathy to his children Ruairí, Fionnuala, Maelíosa, Órfhlaith and Conall, to his extended family and friends.

May he rest in Peace.