Cork ‘all the poorer’ without Harvey
Cork city mourns the loss of one of its true cultural architects following the death of Cork Jazz Festival co-founder Pearse Harvey.
Harvey, who passed away last Wednesday after a long illness, was cremated on Monday at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy.
A musician and passionate jazz devotee, Harvey played a major role in the founding of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival in 1978 along with the late Jim Mountjoy, who was the head of marketing at the Metropole Hotel at the time, and fellow Cork musician Ray Fitzgerald.
Since news of his death, tributes have poured in for the Ballinlough native, with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, saying Cork is “all the poorer” following the loss.
“Pearse’s vision and ambition and his clear passion for jazz helped create, and then foster and grow an event that has become one of the cultural heartbeats of the region,” said the lord mayor.
He continued: “From its earliest days in 1978, Pearse’s work, alongside fellow founders Ray Fitzgerald and Jim Mountjoy, helped guide the fledgling festival from its early beginnings as a local event into one of the highlights on the European jazz calendar.
“Today, the Cork Jazz Festival is not just an annual celebration of music — it is part of the very fabric of Cork’s identity. It is a hallmark of the city’s creativity and energy.
“His legacy is also deeply felt in Cork’s economic life with the festival now a major driver of tourism and local business, generating around €40m for the city and wider regional economy.
“This extraordinary impact stands as a testament to Pearse’s foresight, ambition, vision, and energy,” added the lord mayor.
2026 will mark the 48th iteration the Cork Jazz Festival which attracts over 100,000 visitors to Leeside each year, bringing up to €45 million to the local economy.
Commenting on Harvey’s legacy, the lord mayor said he will be remembered “in every note played” in all future Cork Jazz Festivals.
“His contribution will be remembered with gratitude for decades,” said Cllr Dennehy.
“I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and to his wide circle of friends.
“May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” he said.
A statement posted on the Guinness Cork Jazz Facebook page read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pearse Harvey, co-founder of our festival. Pearse's passion, expertise, and love for jazz helped shape what has become one of Europe's most beloved music celebrations. From his early work welcoming artists to Cork to guiding the festival's artistic vision in its formative years, his legacy will be felt for generations.
“Our thoughts are with Pearse's family, friends, and all who were touched by his music and devotion to jazz. Thank you, Pearse, for your enduring contribution to Cork's cultural heartbeat.”
Predeceased by his wife Patricia, Pearse Harvey leaves behind his three children Avril, Joyce, and Ruth, and his grandchildren Jessica and Jack.