Obit: Irish singer Seán Ó Sé (1936-2026)

Subject: Obit: Irish singer Seán Ó Sé
From: Felipa
Date: 13 Jan 26 - 02:01 PM

I heard this evening on Raidió na Gaeltachta that Seán Ó Sé of County Cork, Ireland has died. Seán was well known through his association with Seán Ó Riada and Ceoltóirí Chulann, a precursor to the Chieftains. Seán continued to sing and perform in his later years, keeping in fine voice deapite health issues.

Subject: RE: Obit: Irish singer Seán Ó Sé (1936-2026)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 13 Jan 26 - 04:33 PM

Here's the obituary from RTÉ:
https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2026/0113/1552950-sean-ose-death/

Renowned Irish traditional singer Seán Ó Sé dies, aged 89
Updated / Tuesday, 13 Jan 2026 20:51
By Jennie O'Sullivan

One of the country's best known Irish traditional singers Seán Ó Sé has died.

Mr Ó Sé would have been 90 on Friday.

A renowned tenor singer, the retired schoolteacher was affectionately known as 'The Pucker' or 'An Pocar', a play on the comic song 'An Poc Ar Buile' which he made famous in a surprise 1962 hit single.

A gifted singer in Irish and English, he came to prominence in the 1960s with Irish composer and musician Séan Ó Riada's group, Ceoltóirí Chualann.

He later toured internationally with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann visiting Canada, the United States, Moscow, Shanghai and Havana.

A contributor to many radio and television programmes over the years, among those he recorded with are Donal Lunny, Dermot O'Brien and Peadar Ó Riada.

Born in 1936, he was a native of Ballylickey in County Cork, but home has been Cork city for decades, where he finished his teaching career as principal of St Mary's on the Hill, in Knocknaheeny.

In 2021, Mr Ó' Sé was awarded the TG4 Amhránaí na Bliana/Singer of the Year Award at the annual Gradaim Ceoil event held in Belfast.

Last October, Mr Ó Sé received an honorary doctorate from UCC in recognition of his immense contribution to Irish traditional music and heritage.

Mr Ó Sé was predeceased by his wife Eileen last year.

He is survived by his three children, Áine, Con and Íde.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin paid tribute to Seán Ó Sé and said that he was an iconic figure in Irish education, culture and traditional music.

"He was renowned for his singing performances, particularly for An Poc Ar Buile, and did great work with Cór Cúil Aodha," he said.

"His friendship with the late Seán Ó Riada was a unique one. They had a very strong bond, and Seán was the definitive interpreter of Ó Riada's music.

"Many generations of Cork people will always associate him with All Ireland teams coming home, when he would invariably bring celebrations to a rousing conclusion with a stirring rendition of The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee."

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Fergal Dennehy, said that Seán Ó Sé was one of Cork's most recognisable cultural figures.

"Most recently, he featured in the Remember and Renew gala concert marking the close of the national Decade of Centenaries, performing alongside orchestras and choirs in a night dedicated to reflection, remembrance, and celebration of Cork’s history," he said.

"His presence at such significant civic occasions reflected not only his musical stature but his deep connection to the story of Cork and its people."

Subject: RE: Obit: Irish singer Seán Ó Sé (1936-2026)
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Jan 26 - 06:06 PM

Is he related to Paddy Ó Sé who owned the pub in Ventry?

Subject: RE: Obit: Irish singer Seán Ó Sé (1936-2026)
From: pattyClink
Date: 13 Jan 26 - 09:06 PM

Thank you Felipa, sorry you are having to convey sad news like this.

An Poc ar Buile, live

One of the highlights of our CelticFest in Jackson Mississippi was the spectacle of hundreds of US Southerners lustily belting out that song's chorus, taught them by Ma´irti´n de Co´ga´in of the Fuchsia Band. Gratified to know a bit more of the song's heritage.

Subject: RE: Obit: Irish singer Seán Ó Sé (1936-2026)
From: pattyClink
Date: 13 Jan 26 - 09:08 PM

Sorry to have bobbled the fadas on that, I tried cut/paste from youtube instead of using the superkeys.

Subject: RE: Obit: Irish singer Seán Ó Sé (1936-2026)
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 14 Jan 26 - 09:06 AM

Aistear an amhrán: An poc ar buile