Séamus MacMathúna RIP

Séamus was born in Gower, Cooraclare, Co. Clare and it was here his interest in and love for Irish music began, he often spoke of the wonderful musicians of the area he knew when he was growing up. He was highly regarded and respected among musicians for his knowledge of and profound interest in the promotion of all aspects of Irish culture.

When he was appointed Regional organiser for Connradh na Gaeilge in Cork and Kerry he moved to Cuil Aodha in the Muscrai Gaeltacht , an area well known for its prolific poets and an important source of poetry, songs and music. Seán Ó Ríada had come to live in the area about that time and he and Séamus became close friends.

Séamus took up full time employment with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann as Timire Cheoil in 1968 and moved to Dublin. His job was quite demanding and required that he be multi-functional and multi–talented. The work brought him into contact with some of the finest musicians and singers in Ireland and he recorded many of them for inclusion in the Comhaltas Archive which he was instrumental in setting up.

One of Séamus’s proudest achievements was the production of a book and accompanying tape of traditional songs in English. With the assistance of the late Micheál Ó hEidhin, he also established a specialised course (TTCT) for music teachers.

We have lost a great friend, a colleague and a co-worker with the passing of Séamus. In the current issue of TREOIR there in a beautiful article by his daughter Niamh that highlights the esteem and regard of so many who had the good fortune to know Séamus and experience his excitement, love and respect for our native traditions which he shared so selflessly with so many during his career with Comhaltas. He has left us a huge legacy of music and songs, his own compositions of songs in praise of Fleadhs, singers, musicians and hurlers are legendary.

In 2019 I had the great honour of working with Séamus on an album consisting of his own recordings of the Master Clare fiddle player Bobby Casey. At the launch of the CD at Fleadh Nua, surrounded by his own family and his many friends from around Ireland and abroad it was a long-time dream come true for Séamus, but sadly it was to be his last project for Comhaltas. A video of Séamus singing “Mo Ghile Mear” with the James Last Orchestra and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in College Green, Dublin in 1983 can be viewed on The Cois na hAbhna YouTube channel Mo Ghile Mear This is Séamus as I want to remember him, musical, exciting, larger than life.

Séamus passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday 9th March surrounded by his loving wife Úna and family. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aige

Frank Whelan Cois na hAbhna Archive