THE funeral of the late Seán Ó Sé was made all the more poignant last Friday as it was held on what would have been the singer’s 90th birthday.

The famous Cork singer and entertainer, who grew up in Ballylickey and is most famous for his 1962 hit single ‘An Poc Ar Buile’, died last Tuesday, just four days short of his milestone birthday.

His funeral mass took place at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ballinlough in Cork city which was well attended by family, friends and well-wishers.

Speaking at the funeral mass, his son Con Ó Sé said his dad was blessed with a ‘God given talent’ which he utilised right up until very recent times which gave the whole family huge comfort.

‘He got so much joy from the simple act of singing for people,’ said Con.

The late Seán Ó Sé

‘It made no difference to him whether it was singing to a packed square at the Puck Fair in Killorglin or at the National Concert Hall. It is hard to think of two more different settings but he did knock the same buzz out of one as the other.’

Con also noted that just last August, his late dad stood where he was on the altar and sang a song as a reflection on his late wife, Eileen’s life, called ‘Réir Dé go Ndeanam’ from the O’Riada Mass. Con then sang the same reflective song as he and siblings felt over recent days that the same words were as reflective of Seán’s life which had ‘many strands’.

‘But the three cornerstones were his working life in education, his singing and his family.’

Cork GAA Dr Con Murphy

He told the congregation that his dad started his teaching career in Baltinglass in County Wicklow before moving to Bandon and then to Gurranabraher in Cork city.

‘He had a very happy 13 years as principal in a then newly established school St Mary’s on the Hill in Knocknaheeny where he ensured every child there got the best possible chance in life.’

Con added that throughout this time his dad had his singing career and had it for subsequent years through a long and happy retirement for which he was very grateful for.

‘Above all else he loved his family over and above everything and that is why we will miss him so much. He and mam gave us the ultimate gift as children. They gave us happy childhoods wrapped in the warmth of a loving home.’

A guard of honour by pupils from St Mary’s on the Hill was formed as the coffin was brought from the church.

And it was only fitting that Seán returned to his native West Cork for his final resting place following his funeral mass, with his burial taking place later that day in the Abbey Cemetery overlooking his beloved Bantry Bay, where he was reunited with his wife of 58 years, Eileen.

Seán is survived by his adult children Áine, Con and Íde, sister Maureen, daughter-in-law Catríona and grandchildren Méabh, Seán and Ciara.