Posthumous single and gig for gifted musician

A performance dedicated to a gifted young Cork musician who died in a tragic road accident will take place in Cork this month.

Songwriter and composer r died on 8 December 2024 after being involved in a fatal collision while returning home from a gig in Killarney. He was 24 years old.

On 15 May, a special performance will take place in The Curtis Auditorium in MTU Cork School of Music, Union Quay, Cork. The performance will feature Rory’s compositions, songs, and arrangements.

Performers will include staff and students from MTU Cork School of Music, Union, members of rock band O Emperor, and an orchestra featuring some very special guests.

Rory had just graduated from MTU Cork School of Music with a First-Class Honours Masters in Commercial Composition. As the highest placed student across all strands of the taught MA, he was awarded a bursary for further study.

Prior to his death, Rory was busy launching his career in the music industry with his new single ‘Seen it All Before’ mastered and ready to go. Tragically, he never got to see its release which happened posthumously last Friday.

Much in demand as a talented keyboard player, Rory was also an actor, singer, and wordsmith. He was known to be kind and gentle and possessing a “rapier-sharp” wit.

In his 24 short years, Rory worked extensively on the live gig scene, on cruise liners, in musical theatre, and as a sought-after session musician.

Rory's father, the American tenor Rob Craig, passed away from cancer in 2021. Rory's mother, musician Ursua O'Sullivan, has just completed chemo and radiotherapy.

All proceeds from his single ‘Seen It All Before’ and the concert on 15 May will go to Breakthrough Cancer Research.

Rory’s single can be found on all major streaming platforms.