‘Artist, Son, Father, Friend’ – Tributes Paid At Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin Funeral

Pic © Clare FM

Well-known composer and musician Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin’s funeral has heard that his legacy will live on through his music.

As founder and director of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, as well as a respected musician and choreographer in his own right, Mícheál’s funeral saw St Senan’s Church in Kilrush packed beyond capacity today as people bid farewell.

Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:

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A musician, an educator, a transgender warror, an artist, a son, a brother, a friend.

A funeral with a difference today as hundreds packed into St Senan’s Church, Kilrush to bid a final farewell to Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin.

The renowned musician planned what was called a ‘celebration of his life’ rather than a day of sadness, as his family were joined by figures from the world of music as well as President Michael D Higgins in saying goodbye.

But Chief Celebrant Fr Mark Patrick Hederman of Glenstal Abbey told mourners that Mícheál organised the entire service himself with his usual flair.

Even the site of St Senan’s Church in Kilrush had a special meaning – Micheál admired the church and wanted the service to be held in the mouth of the Shannon Estuary.

In an unusual move, mourners were hassle by Míko the Clown throughout the service.

While paying tribute to his father, Eoin Ó Súilleabháin explained why that was the case.

Mícheál’s catalogue of music played a major role in today’s ceremony, with performances of his compositions from the Irish Chamber Orchestra and a choir.

His family told the congregation that it’s through that music that he will live on.

Afterwards, a private cremation was held in Shannon attended by his loved ones including his wife Helen and his three sons Eoin, Mícheál and Luke.