President Michael D Higgins is leading mourners in Kilrush this lunchtime at the funeral of renowned musician and composer Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin.
Hundreds have packed into St Senan’s Church to pay tribute to the man, who is being remembered as a pioneering figure in Irish music.
There’s standing room only in Kilrush this afternoon as the late Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin’s colourful life is remembered at his funeral service.
The 67-year-old died on Wednesday last at Milford Care Centre after a prolonged illness.
Hundreds have packed into the church this afternoon to pay their final respects.
St Senan’s in Kilrush was chosen as Professor O Súilleabháin wanted a waterside church and admired the beautiful location of this one.
Among the chief mourners in Kilrush this afternoon are his wife Helen and his three sons Luke, Eoin and Mícheál.
In his first engagement since being inaugurated yesterday, President Higgins has travelled to St Senan’s Church, Kilrush to pay respect to the man he says had a ‘fearless sense of exploration’ and whose legacy will live on through his music.
Along with being an emeritus professor at the University of Limerick, the Clonmel native was well known as founder and director of its Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
After this afternoon’s funeral service, Professor Ó Súilleabháin’s remains will be brought to Shannon Crematorium for a private cremation service.
The family have requested donations in lieu of flowers to be divided between the Dialysis Unit at University Hospital Limerick, St Brigid’s Ward at St Vincent’s Hospital and Milford Hospice.
