Lord Mayor opens book of condolences in memory of Seán Ó Sé, renowned Cork teacher and singer

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, has opened a book of condolences in memory of Seán Ó Sé, Cork institution and one of the country’s best-loved traditional Irish singers, who passed away on Tuesday, three days short of his 90th birthday.

Members of the public are invited to sign the book, which will be open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, until Friday, January 23, at Cork City Hall.

Mr Ó Sé, affectionately as “de Pucker” thanks to the song ‘An Poc Ar Buile’, which he made famous in a 1962 hit single, finished his teaching career as principal of St Mary’s on the Hill in Knocknaheeny.

In a tribute to his friend, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Mr Ó Sé had been a kind and caring teacher “who always put his students first”, and his version of ‘De Banks’ would forever be associated by generations of Corkonians with triumphant GAA homecomings.

Born in 1936 on Cork’s South Terrace, Mr Ó Sé spent his formative years in Ballylickey in West Cork, growing up in an all-Irish-speaking home.

A gifted tenor, he first came to prominence as a singer in the 1960s with Seán Ó Riada’s group Ceoltóirí Chualann, touring internationally with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and he became synonymous with his interpretation of An Poc ar Buile.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, councillor Fergal Dennehy, said Mr Ó Sé’s warmth, humour and devotion to tradition had helped to shape the cultural life of Cork and Ireland for generations.

“While his voice may have fallen silent, his legacy will live on,” he said.

Funeral arrangements for Mr Ó Sé were announced on Wednesday morning.

Reposing at O’Connor’s funeral home, Wilton from 5pm to 6pm on Thursday, January 15. Requiem Mass in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, Ballinlough, at noon on Friday, with funeral afterwards to the Abbey Cemetery, Bantry, arriving at approximately 3pm.

Predeceased last year by his wife Eileen, Mr Ó Sé is survived by their children Áine, Con and Íde, sister Maureen, daughter-in-law Caitríona, grandchildren Méabh, Seán and Ciara, extended family, and a wide circle of friends.