12 December 2009

The veteran song collector and distinguished broadcaster Ciarán MacMahúna passed away on Friday December 11th. Here follows a statement by Martin Cullen TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism on the death of Ciarán MacMahúna

I was saddened to hear of the passing of the distinguished Irish broadcaster, who contributed so much to the cultural life of this country, not only through his television and radio career with RTÉ but also as a collector of Irish music, poetry and song. A man of great intellect with a wonderful commitment to and understanding of Irish folklore and the traditional arts, Ciarán made it a priority over the course of his long life to travel and meet musicians and to collect Irish music and stories, preserving them for future generations. He has left us with a wonderful legacy.

An accomplished producer and presenter for RTÉ, especially of the Sunday morning programme Mo Cheol Thú (You are my music) which began in 1970 and continued until November 2005, when he retired from broadcasting, where his wisdom and love of Irish music and the written word shone through.

Ciarán MacMahúna was widely admired and deeply respected and appreciated by all who knew him. My sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Dolly McMahon and their three children and extended family at this time.

May he rest in peace.