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Singer and broadcaster Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta dies aged 77
Updated / Wednesday, 15 Jan 2025

Via The Journal Of Music: The sean-nós singer, musician and broadcaster Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta has died. He was 77.

From Na hAille in Indreabhán in Conamara, he was part of the original staff of seven producer/presenters in RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta when it launched in 1972. Before the station commenced broadcasting, Meaití Jó began recording musicians for future programmes, among them his uncle, Máirtín Shéamuis, who played the self-composed reel titled Cladaigh Chonamara on the Jew’s harp. It was to become the station’s signature tune and still is to this day.

Listen: The signature music for RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, recorded by Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta from his uncle Máirtín Shéamuis.

Born in Conamara in 1947 to Nan Pheadaí Nic Dhiarmada and Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta, Meaití Jó’s music came from both sides of his family: his mother was a singer and his uncle, Tom Pheadaí, was a storyteller and singer. His mother’s family were well known for their musical gatherings.

On his father’s side, Máirtín Shéamuis Ó Fátharta played the accordion as well as the Jew’s harp, and Pádraicín Darby played the uilleann pipes. Meaití Jó began playing the tin whistle when he was eight years old.

He attended the University of Galway, graduating with a degree in Irish and French, and began teaching at Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin in An Cheathrú Rua before joining the founding staff of Raidió na Gaeltachta. At the beginning he was involved in a range of programmes, from news to sport to entertainment, and his work brought him into contact with singers such as Tom Pháidín Tom and Cóil Neaine Pháidín who influenced Meaití Jó’s own music. He began presenting his music programme Lán a’ Mhála soon after the station began.

Meaití Jó became well-known as a singer, musician and broadcaster and was a familiar and encouraging figure at traditional music events throughout the country. He would record a wide range of singers and musicians and present his recordings on Lán a’ Mhála. In 1995, he was appointed Eagraí Ceoil (Music Editor) of the station and continued his collecting, which now forms part of the Raidió na Gaeltachta archive.

Meaití Jó was an exceptional sean-nós singer and had a distinctive style. He competed successfully in Oireachtas competitions, winning Comórtas na bhFear in 1992 and 1998 and then Corn Uí Riada in 2001 when it took place in Dingle, Co. Kerry.

Listen: Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta - Sean-nós Songs from Connemara

Multi-talented, he also played uilleann pipes and flute as well as the whistle and Jew’s harp, and was a skilled lilter. He regularly played with his friend, the late melodeon player Johnny Connolly, in sessions throughout Conamara and they also travelled abroad. Meaití Jó was also an active sportsman and played with the local GAA club, Cumann Mícheál Breathnach, until he was in his mid-forties.

In 2003, Meaití Jó released the album Bóithríní an Locháin on the Cló Iar-Chonnacht label, featuring a blend of songs and music, some previously unrecorded. He also featured on the album Draíocht na Feadóige with his friend, the flute player Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha, who is also a broadcaster on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, now the station’s Eagraí Ceoil. Meaití Jó can also be heard on the album Subhóró released by Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge.

He was particularly known for his rendition of the song Bóithríní an Locháin written by Pádraig Learaí Ó Féinneadha and it is that song that concludes his album. He received it from his mother who was from Lochán Beag in Conamara.

Meaití Jó leaves an extensive legacy as a singer, musician, broadcaster and collector. A tribute programme dedicated to his memory was broadcast on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on 8th January and can be heard here.

Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta was predeceased by his son Tadhg and is survived by his wife Jean, son Aengus, daughters Sinéad and Aedín, and extended family.