By Chris Murray

One of the most beloved voices in Traditional Irish Music, Seán Ó Sé, just passed away. Along with his storytelling and wit, Seán’s singing established him as an Irish cultural icon. I came to know Seán at the Donovan Days Festival I co-organized in 2009, where Sean performed in a concert honoring Donovan at the Ballyjamesduff Museum in County Cavan, Ireland.

Govinda Gallery artist Carlotta Hester made a live action drawing of Seán Ó Sé at the 2010 All Ireland Music Festival. Hester’s live action drawings of Traditional Irish Musicians were shown in exhibitions in Washington, Dublin, and County Cavan, Ireland, and are published in her book The Pure Drop.

I was first introduced to Seán by my friend, musician, teacher, and advocate of Trad Music, Martin Donahoe. Here is a photo of Sean and Martin making music together.

You will be missed, Seán.