Statement by President Michael D. Higgins on the death of Seán Tyrrell
Date: Sun 31st Oct, 2021 | 11:30
"It is with sadness that I have learned of the passing of Seán Tyrrell, one of our finest, most talented, original and creative troubadours. How can we ever forget that it was Seán who brought 18th century poet Brian Merriman’s 1,206 line poem Cúirt an Mheán-Oíche to music and an unforgettable performance by Druid Theatre, in which another great performer, and friend of music, whom we have lost recently, Mary McPartlan, played such an outstanding part.
Seán Tyrrell will be remembered too for works such as Message of Peace, his work on the life of John Boyle O’Reilly, his collaboration with a number of international artists on Songs of Peace to commemorate the life and work of Francis Ledwidge, and his landmark album The Orchard amongst his many contributions to the world of folk music.
Seán and I walked into UCG on the same day in Autumn 1962 and through the years to have had his friendship, as so many know, was a great gift.
Sabina and I would like to send our deepest sympathies to Connie, Áine, Róisín, Benjamin, Ciaran and Lilia, and to all of Seán’s wider family and friends."