Irish music lovers in mourning at news of death of Mícheál Ó Suilleabháin

All of Cork – and further afield of course – is in mourning today with the news of the death of musician and composer Mícheál Ó Suilleabháin.

Aged just 67, he passed away at a hospice in Limerick last night, leaving a major void in Irish traditional and classical music.

He was a longtime collaborater with the RTE orchestras and, having studied initially in UCC, had finished his academic career at UL in 2016.

Throughout his career he won numerous awards, accolades and academic honours from institutions throughout Europe and the US.

He had many links with West Cork and the musicians of Muscraí, dating back to his studies under Seán Ó Riada at UCC.

Take a moment to enjoy this wonderful performance with the RTE Concert Orchestra at the IFTA awards in 2011, and below, a wonderful interaction between the composer and Coolea musician Iarla O Lionaird.