'A decent man, a very sound person.' Taoiseach leads tributes to Cork journalist Barraí Mescall

The Taoiseach has led tributes to Cork journalist and broadcaster Barraí Mescall, who has died at the age of 74.

Mr Mescall passed away on Friday in the Mercy University Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

A graduate of UCC, Mr Mescall was one of the first to be recruited to the fledgeling RTÉ Radio Cork in 1974, and he stayed there until 1996, when he moved to RTÉ’s new Irish station, which was initially called Teilifís na Gaeilge, or TnaG, before it was renamed TG4 in 1999.

He stayed with TG4 until his retirement in 2017.

A native of Blarney, Mr Mescall is survived by his partner Jo Cronin, who described him simply as “loving and kind”.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Mr Mescall had been an institution in journalism, particularly in Cork.

“Barraí covered many national stories as well, he was an outstanding Gaeilgeoir, very interested in traditional music, and a journalist of the old school who always revelled in getting the scoop and getting the exclusive,” Mr Martin said.

“I was very saddened to see his passing, a decent man, a very sound person, and to Jo and to all his family, we extend our deepest sympathy.

“He will be a loss to his journalistic colleagues and to the world of journalism in Cork in particular.” 

Similarly, Tánaiste Simon Harris said he had been saddened to hear of Mr Mescall’s passing.

“Barraí was a dedicated voice in Irish journalism and broadcasting in Cork and nationally,” Mr Harris said.

“His contribution to radio and public service broadcasting will be fondly remembered as will his tireless advocacy for the Irish language and culture.

“My condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.” 

Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central and minister of state, said he was mourning a friend.

“Bhí an-bhrón orm scéal bháis Barraí Mescal a chlos. Bhí sé de phribhléid agam a bheith ag obair leis ar an raidíó áitiúil. B’fhear é a raibh grá doimhin aige dár gcultúr is dár n-oidhreacht,” dúirt sé.

“Fear thar a bheith suimiúil ab ea é agus ba mhinic dó mé féin a ghríosadh lena spreagadh.

“Leaba shíoraí i measc na n-Aingeal go raibh ag an nGael uasal seo.” “I’m very sad to hear of the sad passing of Barraí Mescall,” Mr Buttimer added as Béarla.

“I had the pleasure of working with him on local radio and he was a man who cherished our language music and culture.

“He was always encouraging and interesting. He was a voice of our childhood on Cork local radio.

“May he rest in peace.” 

Mr Mescall served as a volunteer and a committee member with the Cork Folk Festival, and the festival’s co-founder, Jim Walsh, said he had known Mr Mescall since college.

“Barraí was a great friend who made a huge contribution to the Irish language down through the years, and I will miss meeting him,” he said.

Mr Mescall is survived by his partner Jo, his siblings Finola, Margot and Hugh, his nieces, nephews and extended family, Lilibeth Horne and family, and Dan and Aideen Cronin and family. He was predeceased by his parents John and Esther, and his sister Clare.

Mr Mescall’s requiem Mass will be held at 11am tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28, in the Church of the Most Precious Blood, Clogheen, with his funeral taking place privately afterwards.