Praise and salute for “a great servant of Ireland”
Tributes are being paid following the death of Irish broadcaster, music collector and Limerick man Dr. Ciarán Mac Mathúna.
Born in 1925 in Limerick City, Mac Mathúna was schooled at CBS Sexton Street where he moved on to graduate with a BA from the University College in Dublin. He moved into a distinguished carer as a teacher before turning his attention to radio broadcasting and producing.
Mac Mathúna was at the helm of the ever popular Sunday morning radio programme ‘Mo Cheol Thú’ which aired on RTE beginning in the 70’s, a show which aired for over 30 years.
He picked up many awards and achievements throughout his career including two Jacobs’ Awards and Honorary Doctorates from the University College Galway and here at home from the University Of Limerick.
In leading tributes Friday, An Taoiseach described the 84 year old as a “brilliant broadcaster and authority on Irish Music and folklore.”
“I enjoyed listening to his programme “Mo Cheol Thú” which has a special place in Irish radio programming history over the last number of decades, as it became one of the longest running programmes on radio. Each programme comprised a mixture of song, poetry and folklore and was much loved by all radio listeners.” An Taoiseach Brian Cowen recalled.
“He was a much loved figure and he will be missed by all lovers of Irish music, both in Ireland and around the world,” Cowen concluded. He also sent his condolences to his wife Dolly and their children.
Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny said his death marks “the passing of an institution in Irish traditional music.”
“Ciarán was one of the 20th century’s greatest promoters and preservers of Irish traditional music. Along with his wife Dolly, he made a phenomenal contribution to Irish culture. No person I ever knew appreciated in better fashion a decent half one while involved in good conversation in a friendly pub”, Kenny added.
His portrait hangs proudly in the Limerick Civic Trust ‘History makers Hall of Fame’ and the archive of his ‘Mo Cheol Thú’ programmes are available from RTE Here.
