Cork Person of the Month is one of Leeside's great musicians

MUSICIAN and composer Peadar Ó Riada has hit a high note after being named Cork Person of the month for June 2020.

The award acknowledges Peadar’s contribution to Irish culture as a composer, musician, choir director and broadcaster.

Peadar’s interest in music started at a young age and was inspired by his father, Seán Ó Riada, who was a prominent figure in Irish traditional music during the 1960s. 

Peadar graduated from University College Cork with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1976 and worked as a teacher, co-op manager, festival director, commercial beekeeper and broadcaster. 

He has been living in Cúil Aodha, near the Cork-Kerry border, where he raised his family with wife Geraldine Moloney.

Peadar has also composed for Cór Cúil Aodha and accumulated a large body of liturgical and secular works for Male Voiced Choir in the Irish traditional idiom. 

His compositions for Female choir are well regarded, as well as his choral arrangements for traditional Irish songs.

Speaking about his 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.” 

Ó Riada has spent the last number of years working on his autobiography and said: “It’s my intention to be very frank in it."

Awards organiser Manus O’Callaghan added: “Peadar Ó Riada’s own 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."

Peadar Ó Riada’s name will now go forward for possible selection as Cork Person of the Year at an awards lunch on January 15, 2021, at Rochestown Park Hotel.