Tributes pour in for traditional music legend

One of Ireland’s best known traditional musicians Seán Ó Sé died on Tuesday at the age of 89.

Ó Sé, a tenor with a musical career in Irish and English spanning over six decades, passed away in Marymount University Hospital & Hospice.

Born in the village of Ballylickey near Bantry on 16 January 1936, Ó Sé worked as a primary school teacher in Wicklow and Cork, before retiring from his final post as principal of St Mary’s on the Hill, Knocknaheeny in 1993.

He was a key figure in the Irish folk revival, performing as part of Seán Ó Riada’s Ceoltóirí Chualann. He later toured the world with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, visiting the United States, Canada, China, Russia, and Cuba.

He is best known for his rendition of the song ‘An Poc ar Buile’ (‘The Angry Goat’), which earned him the moniker ‘An Pocar’. This nickname became the title of a TG4 biography of his life which was broadcast in 2014.

In 2021, the same broadcaster awarded him the Amhránaí na Bliana at the annual Gradaim Ceoil event in Belfast. In 2025, he was awarded an honourary doctorate from UCC recognising his “lifelong contribution to Irish music and heritage”.

An Taoiseach Mícheál Martin said he was “deeply saddened” at Ó Sé’s passing.

“A legend, Seán was an iconic figure in Irish education, culture and traditional music who had an extraordinary impact on Irish music and song.

“He leaves an outstanding legacy and will be sadly missed by his family. He will be deeply mourned on Leeside and indeed, across the country,” he said.

Tributes have also come in from members of Cork City Council.

Cllr Kieran McCarthy called him a “cultural legend” and expressed his sincere condolences with his family and friends.

Cllr Tony Fitzgerald paid tribute to his time as principal of Mary’s on the Hill, saying that he played “a vital part in the development of the school, parish, and community”.

“Seán was a Cork legend and the voice of the rebel city in story and song,” he said.

Ó Sé is survived his three children, Áine, Con, and Íde.