Ó Riada wins June award
Musical legend Peadar Ó Riada has been named as Cork Person of the Month for June to mark his huge contribution to Irish culture.
The composer, musician, choir director and broadcaster began his love affair with music at a very young age, following in the footsteps of his father Seán Ó Riada, one of the most influential figures in the revival of Irish traditional music during the 1960s.
Peadar, who has lived his whole life in Cúil Aodha near the Cork-Kerry border, graduated from UCC with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1976, after which he spent a few years as teacher, co-op manager, festival director, commercial beekeeper, broadcaster and educator.
Throughout his long career, Peadar has performed with many different groups including traditional Irish group Triúr in 2008, and The Drôle with John Kelly and Eamon McGivney in 2013.
He has also been taking his father’s place at the keyboards and directing traditional band Ceoltóirí Chualann since 1971.
In 1986, Peadar founded the all-female choir Cór Ban Cúil Aodha. Later he would go on to found the Irish Cultural trust, Iontaoibheas Fódhla, in 1999 and the traditional university Acadamh Fódhla in 2000. In 2001 he founded the international festival Féile na Laoch commemorating his late father.
As a composer Peadar has contributed a large body of work with both male and female choirs, as well as choral arrangements for traditional Irish songs.
Commenting on his Cork Person of the Month Award, Peadar said: “It’s great to be recognised by the people of Cork who have supported me throughout my career. Irish traditional music is my passion and I am thankful that I have been able to do what I love every day.”
Awards Organiser Manus O’Callaghan said: “Peadar Ó Riada’s contribution to the Cork cultural and artistic scene has been wide reaching. Of course, you can’t mention the O’Riada family name, without thinking of 'Mise Eire'. The emotional energy of that piece of music is deeply affecting in Ireland. Indeed, many feel it should be our national anthem.”