'He had that rare gift of making music feel alive': Tributes paid following death of Con Herbert

The unexpected death of Con (Neilus) Herbert prompted an outpouring of grief in Cork, Limerick, and beyond, at the loss of the man who was described as an exceptional accordion and concertina player, and an inspirational teacher.

The West Limerick native, a founder member of two branches of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, and a founder of Craobh Chrónáin Comhaltas in Freemount in North Cork, where he taught at its national school from 1979, retiring as principal in 2011.

Mr Herbert had also won a Limerick senior county hurling medal in 1980 with Killeedy.

Margaret Kiely, Cork Comhaltas cathaoirleach and Craobh Chrónáin leas-chathaoirleach, said Mr Herbert laid the foundations for nurturing traditional music in Freemount’s classrooms.

“He ensured that every child in the school learned an instrument,” she said.

“The school took part in Scór, Slógadh, and Readóirí; everything at first was school-based.

“This led directly to the founding of CCÉ Craobh Chrónáin over 40 years ago.”

Tim Collins of the Kilfenora Céilí Band, described Mr Herbert as his “mentor”, adding: “He had that rare gift of making music feel alive. He didn’t simply teach notes and tunes; he passed on tradition, history, values, and a deep love for our culture.

Con devoted his life to promoting Irish culture, traditional music, the Irish language, and Gaelic games. He understood that these were not separate pursuits, but strands of the same rich tapestry that gives meaning to community and identity.

Though honoured with awards, “his work was never about recognition or applause”, said Mr Collins. “It was about ensuring that what he loved would continue to flourish long after he was gone.”

Hundreds paid musical tribute to Mr Herbert at Ashford’s Tigh Cheoil before his funeral at St Ita’s Church, where, among those performing, was ex-pupil Elle Marie O’Dwyer, singing Mr Herbert’s own composition, Where the Allow Waters Flow.

Mr Herbert is survived by nieces, nephews, grand- and great-grandnieces and nephews, and a vast family in music.