Irish music stars died at age 60

Here are 14 famous musicians from Republic of Ireland died at 60:

Séamus Brennan

Séamus Brennan (February 16, 1948 Galway-July 9, 2008 Dublin) a.k.a. Seamus Brennan was an Irish personality.

He was a Fianna Fáil politician, serving as a member of the Irish parliament for over 25 years. Brennan held a number of portfolios throughout his career, including Health, Transport, and Social Welfare. He was also the Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Recreation, overseeing Ireland's successful bid to host the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games. In addition to his political career, Brennan was a keen sports enthusiast, and was involved in various local clubs and organizations.

After completing his education at Coláiste Eoin, Dublin and later University College Dublin, Séamus Brennan became actively involved in politics. He was first elected to the Irish parliament in 1981, representing the constituency of Dublin South. During his time in politics, he was known for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Irish citizens, particularly in the areas of health, education, and social welfare.

Under Brennan's leadership, significant improvements were made to Ireland's public transport system, with the introduction of initiatives such as the Luas light rail system and the Bus Éireann expressway. He also played a key role in overseeing the introduction of Ireland's first smoking ban, which has since been replicated by many other countries around the world.

Despite battling illness in his later years, Séamus Brennan remained an active and highly respected figure in Irish politics until his death in 2008. He is remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents and all Irish citizens.

Read more about Séamus Brennan on Wikipedia »

Liam Lawlor

Liam Lawlor (October 1, 1945 Crumlin, Dublin-October 22, 2005 Moscow) was an Irish personality.

Lawlor was a politician and a member of the Fianna Fáil party. He began his political career as a member of Dublin City Council in 1979 and was later elected to the Irish parliament, serving as a TD (Teachta Dála) for the constituency of Dublin West from 1987 until his death in 2005.

Throughout his career, Lawlor was embroiled in numerous controversies and scandals, including allegations of corruption and unethical behavior. He was sentenced to prison in 2000 for accepting bribes in regard to a planning permission scheme, and was subsequently expelled from the Fianna Fáil party.

Despite his controversial reputation, Lawlor remained a popular and influential figure in Irish politics, particularly within his constituency of Dublin West. He was known for his strong advocacy on behalf of working-class communities and his efforts to secure funding and resources for local projects.

In addition to his political career, Lawlor was also a property developer and a successful businessman. He owned a number of properties in Ireland, including a hotel and several shopping centers. Lawlor was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and extravagant spending habits, which often landed him in the tabloids. However, he was also widely respected for his business acumen and his ability to get things done. Despite his legal troubles, Lawlor remained active in politics until his death, and was posthumously awarded the accolade of "Elected Representative of the Decade" by the Irish Examiner newspaper in recognition of his significant contributions to Irish public life.

Read more about Liam Lawlor on Wikipedia »

Tommy Dunne

Tommy Dunne (March 19, 1927 Dublin-January 23, 1988) was an Irish personality.

Tommy Dunne was a well-known Irish soccer player who began his professional career with Shamrock Rovers in 1946. He soon became one of the club's star players and helped them win a number of League of Ireland titles. In 1952, he was sold to Aston Villa and played for the club for three seasons.

Dunne was also a member of the Ireland national football team and played in nine international matches. After retiring from soccer, he became a popular television personality and hosted a number of shows for RTE, including the game show "Jackpot".

Dunne passed away in 1988 at the age of 60, but he is remembered as one of the greatest soccer players in Ireland's history and a beloved personality in Irish television.

In addition to his successful soccer career and work in television, Tommy Dunne was also a businessman. He owned a pub in Dublin called The Black Forge and was involved in the licensing and promotion of the popular Irish cream liqueur, Bailey's. Dunne was known for his friendly and outgoing personality, and was a beloved figure in the Irish community. In honor of his contributions to Irish soccer and television, the Tommy Dunne Memorial Trophy is awarded each year to the winner of the Dublin Derby between Shamrock Rovers and Bohemian FC.

Read more about Tommy Dunne on Wikipedia »

Paul Kane

Paul Kane (September 3, 1810 Mallow, County Cork-February 20, 1871 Toronto) was an Irish personality.

Paul Kane was an Irish-born Canadian painter, famous for his paintings of indigenous peoples in Canada and for his role in documenting 19th-century Indigenous peoples' way of life. At the age of 21, Kane immigrated with his family to York, Upper Canada (now Toronto, Ontario) in 1820. He began painting portraits professionally in 1834 and set out on a series of expeditions across North America in search of Indigenous peoples and their ways of life, documenting everyday scenes and rituals through sketches and paintings. Kane's significant contributions to Canadian art and documentary history continue to be recognized to this day, and his artwork can be found in prominent Canadian museums, including the National Gallery of Canada.

Kane's travels across North America were extraordinary for their time, as he was one of the first artists to depict Indigenous peoples and their way of life in depth. His records of Native American life, customs, and ceremonies were unparalleled, and he produced hundreds of sketches and paintings during his expeditions, which he later compiled into the book called "Wanderings of an Artist among the Indians of North America." Kane's work was of such importance that he was commissioned by the Canadian government to create paintings of Indigenous leaders to display in government buildings. Kane's considerable artistic achievements earned him numerous awards, including election to the Royal Canadian Academy and lavished with honorary degrees by Canadian universities. Even today, his depictions continue to be important cultural and historical records of the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

Read more about Paul Kane on Wikipedia »

Joe Toner

Joe Toner (March 30, 1894 Castlewellan-November 18, 1954) was an Irish personality.

He was a sportsman and is best known for his contribution to Gaelic football. Toner played for the Down GAA team and was part of the team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1924. He also played for his local club Castlewellan GFC.

After his playing career, Toner became involved in coaching and management. He managed the Down team to All-Ireland success in 1960 and was also involved in coaching several other GAA clubs in the region.

Outside of Gaelic football, Toner was a respected figure in his community and held various roles, including serving as a member of the local council.

Toner's legacy in Gaelic football has been lasting, and he is remembered as one of the greats of the sport.

Toner's influence on Gaelic football extended beyond his playing and managerial career. He was also a prominent referee and was known for his commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. In addition to his work in sports, Toner was a successful businessman, owning a number of pubs and shops in the Castlewellan area.

Toner was also involved in politics and was an active member of the Nationalist Party. He served as a councilor for the party and was known for his dedication to improving the lives of the people in his community.

In recognition of his contributions to the community and Gaelic football, Toner was posthumously inducted into the Down GAA Hall of Fame in 2010. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of Gaelic football players and coaches in Ireland.

Read more about Joe Toner on Wikipedia »

Seán Ó Ríordáin

Seán Ó Ríordáin (December 3, 1916 Ballyvourney-April 5, 1977) was an Irish personality.

Seán Ó Ríordáin was a highly regarded poet, contributing significantly to the growth of modern poetry in the Irish language. He was raised in a rural, Irish-speaking community in County Cork and went on to study at University College Cork. His early works in the 1940s explored themes of political and social criticism before later delving into more personal and existential themes. Despite struggling with chronic illness, Ó Ríordáin continued to write and publish poetry until his death in 1977. His work is considered a significant part of the Irish literary tradition and has been praised for its honesty and insight into the human experience.

Ó Ríordáin has been described as one of the most important poets writing in the Irish language in the mid-20th century. His works dealt with themes of love, death, illness, and the question of identity in a changing Ireland. He also translated the works of other poets into Irish, including the poetry of W.B. Yeats. Ó Ríordáin was highly respected within the literary community, and his influence can be seen in the works of contemporary Irish poets who have sought to explore similar themes. In 2016, to mark the centenary of his birth, a special issue of the literary journal, The Stinging Fly, was dedicated to his life and work.

Read more about Seán Ó Ríordáin on Wikipedia »

Thomas Bourke

Thomas Bourke (February 7, 1815 Ireland-February 28, 1875 England) was an Irish personality.

He was a prominent landowner and magistrate in County Mayo, Ireland. Bourke was also known for his philanthropy, contributing to the construction of schools, hospitals, and churches in his local community. In addition, he was a member of parliament for County Mayo from 1857 to 1874. Bourke was married and had several children, including a son who also became a member of parliament. After his death, Bourke was widely mourned and remembered for his contributions to Irish society.

During his time as a member of parliament, Thomas Bourke was known for advocating for the rights of both Catholics and Protestants in Ireland. He was a firm believer in the Union between Ireland and Great Britain, and worked to strengthen ties between the two countries. In recognition of his achievements, Bourke was knighted by Queen Victoria.

In addition to his political and philanthropic pursuits, Thomas Bourke was an accomplished athlete. He was an excellent horseman and regularly competed in local horse races. He was also an accomplished marksman and was known for his skill with a rifle.

Despite his success and wealth, Thomas Bourke was known for his humility and down-to-earth personality. He was a popular figure in his local community and was respected by both rich and poor alike.

Today, Thomas Bourke is still remembered as a prominent figure in Irish history. His legacy lives on through the many institutions he helped to establish, including schools, hospitals, and churches. His contributions to Irish society continue to be celebrated and honored to this day.

Read more about Thomas Bourke on Wikipedia »

Patricia Aakhus

Patricia Aakhus (May 17, 1952 Los Angeles-May 19, 2012 Evansville) also known as Patricia Aakhus McDowell was an Irish novelist.

Patricia Aakhus McDowell was also an accomplished poet, essayist, and short story writer. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Northridge and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Indiana University. McDowell began her career as a journalist before turning to creative writing. She published several novels, including "The Voyage of Mael Duin's Curragh" and "The Pirate Queen," which were inspired by Irish mythology and history. McDowell was also a professor of English at the University of Evansville, where she actively promoted literary arts in the community. She received numerous awards for her writing, including the Indiana Authors Award and two Pushcart Prizes. McDowell's work continues to inspire and entertain readers around the world.

In addition to her successful career as a writer, Patricia Aakhus McDowell was a beloved professor who inspired many young writers. She was known for her passion for teaching and her ability to bring out the best in her students. McDowell also dedicated much of her time to promoting literary arts in the community. She founded the Southern Indiana Reading Series, which brought renowned authors to the University of Evansville and provided opportunities for students and community members to meet and interact with them. She was a mentor to many aspiring writers, and her legacy lives on through the countless students she inspired throughout her career. McDowell's impact on the literary world and on the lives of those who knew her continues to be felt to this day.

She died caused by cancer.

Read more about Patricia Aakhus on Wikipedia »

George Henry Moore

George Henry Moore (March 1, 1810 Republic of Ireland-April 19, 1870) was an Irish politician. He had two children, George Moore and Maurice George Moore.

George Henry Moore was born in Moore Hall, County Mayo, Ireland, into a wealthy family who owned extensive lands in the area. In 1832, he was elected to the British House of Commons, representing Mayo as a member of the Whig party. He was later re-elected in 1835 and served as an MP for Mayo until 1848.

In addition to his political career, Moore was known for his passion for horse racing. He was a successful racehorse owner and breeder, with his horses winning many prestigious races in Ireland and England. He was also a keen collector of rare books and manuscripts, and his extensive library became famous among bibliophiles.

Later in life, Moore purchased a large estate in Connemara, where he continued to pursue his interests in horse breeding and land management. He died there in 1870 and was buried in the family tomb at Kilcummin church.

Moore's legacy has been remembered in various ways, including the naming of the town of Moore, Oklahoma, in the United States, which was founded by settlers who admired his achievements as a landowner and entrepreneur.

In addition to his political career and his hobbies, George Henry Moore was also a philanthropist. He supported various charitable causes in Ireland, including famine relief efforts during the Great Famine. He also funded the construction of several churches and schools in County Mayo.

Moore was a strong advocate for the rights of Irish tenants and campaigned for land reform. He supported the repeal of the Corn Laws, which were tariffs on imported grain that benefited wealthy landowners at the expense of the poor.

Moore's son, George Moore, went on to become a celebrated writer and one of the leaders of the Irish literary revival. Maurice George Moore also had a successful political career, serving as an MP for Dublin in the late 1800s.

Overall, George Henry Moore was a multifaceted individual whose impact extended beyond his wealth and status. He used his position of influence to promote positive change in Ireland and his contributions to horse racing and book collecting are still remembered today.

Read more about George Henry Moore on Wikipedia »

Thomas Walsh

Thomas Walsh (April 2, 1850 Tipperary-April 8, 1910 Washington, D.C.) also known as Thomas Francis Walsh was an Irish miner. His child is called Evalyn Walsh McLean.

Thomas Walsh emigrated from Ireland to the United States in 1869 and eventually settled in Leadville, Colorado where he worked in the mining industry. He became a successful miner, owning several mines including the Camp Bird Mine near Ouray, Colorado which produced over 1 million ounces of gold.

Walsh was also a philanthropist, donating to various causes including the construction of a church in his hometown in Ireland. He was known for his lavish lifestyle, owning a mansion in Washington, D.C. which later became the Indonesian Embassy.

His daughter, Evalyn Walsh McLean, became famous in her own right as the owner of the Hope Diamond and for being a prominent member of high society.

Thomas Walsh was also known for his involvement in politics. He served as a member of the Democratic National Committee and was a delegate to several presidential conventions. In 1893, he was elected to the Colorado State Senate and served for two terms.

In addition to his mining and political pursuits, Walsh was also an avid horse racing enthusiast. He owned several successful racehorses and even won the prestigious American Derby in 1892.

Despite his wealth and success, Walsh faced several setbacks in his personal life. His first wife, Carrie Bell Reed, passed away in 1892, and he married his second wife, Anna Elizabeth McCourt, in 1893. She died in 1905, leaving him devastated.

Thomas Walsh died in 1910 after suffering a heart attack while attending a conference in Washington, D.C. He was buried in his hometown of Tipperary, Ireland.

Read more about Thomas Walsh on Wikipedia »

Seán Campbell

Seán Campbell (April 5, 1889-February 27, 1950) was an Irish politician.

He served as a Teachta Dála (member of parliament) for the Fianna Fáil party from 1927 until his death in 1950. Campbell played an important role in the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. In addition to his political career, he was also a prominent trade unionist, serving as the general secretary of the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union from 1940 until his death. Campbell was known for his passionate speeches advocating for workers' rights and Irish independence.

Born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Campbell became involved in the republican movement at a young age. He was imprisoned for his involvement in IRA activities in the early 1920s, but upon his release, he joined Fianna Fáil and was elected to parliament in 1927. During his tenure, he held a number of important positions, including Minister for Defence and Minister for Lands and Fisheries.

Despite his political success, Campbell remained committed to the labor movement throughout his life. He was a founding member of the Irish Trade Union Congress, and worked tirelessly to improve conditions for Irish workers. He played a key role in the establishment of the Industrial Relations Act of 1946, which aimed to promote cooperation between employers and employees.

Outside of his political and labor work, Campbell was also a noted writer and historian. He authored several books about Irish history and culture, including "The Men Who Made the Nation" and "The Easter Rising and After."

Campbell's contributions to Irish politics and labor rights continue to be remembered and celebrated today. In 1996, he was posthumously awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin, recognizing his lifelong dedication to the people of Ireland.

Read more about Seán Campbell on Wikipedia »

Robert Alexander Anderson

Robert Alexander Anderson (August 14, 1856 Armagh-December 5, 1916 New Westminster) a.k.a. Mayor Robert Alexander Anderson was an Irish politician.

He served as the Mayor of Vancouver, British Columbia from 1901 to 1902, and again from 1903 to 1904. Anderson emigrated to Canada in 1891, and became involved in the lumber industry. He also served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 1898 to 1900, representing the riding of Vancouver City. During his time as mayor, Anderson oversaw the development of Stanley Park and the construction of the Vancouver City Hall. He also played a significant role in the creation of the Greater Vancouver Water District. Anderson was known for his commitment to public service and his dedication to improving the lives of Vancouver's residents.

In addition to his political and business endeavors, Anderson was also involved in various cultural and charitable organizations in Vancouver. He was a prominent member of the Freemasons and served as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon from 1907 to 1908. He was also a founding member of the Vancouver branch of the Canadian Club, which aimed to promote national unity and patriotism. Additionally, he was a member of the Vancouver Art Gallery Association and the Vancouver Music Festival Association, both of which aimed to promote the arts in the city.

Anderson’s legacy lives on in Vancouver today. Many of the public projects he oversaw during his time as mayor, such as Stanley Park and the Vancouver City Hall, remain iconic landmarks in the city. Additionally, the Greater Vancouver Water District, which he helped establish, is still responsible for providing clean and safe drinking water to millions of people in the area.

Read more about Robert Alexander Anderson on Wikipedia »

Michael Davitt

Michael Davitt (March 25, 1846 Strade-May 30, 1906 Dublin) was an Irish journalist.

He was also a political activist and one of the key figures in the Irish Land League, which sought to secure land reform and tenant rights for Irish farmers. Davitt was born in poverty in County Mayo and was forced to leave school at a young age to help support his family. He moved to England as a teenager and worked in a cotton mill, where he lost one arm in an accident. After joining the Fenian Movement, he was arrested and imprisoned but was later released due to poor health. He then became a journalist and used his platform to promote greater rights for the Irish people. In addition to his activism with the Land League, he was involved in the campaign for Home Rule for Ireland and served as a Member of Parliament. Davitt's legacy is still felt in Ireland today as a champion of Irish rights and a tireless voice for justice.

Davitt was also an author who wrote extensively about Irish politics and his own life experiences. Some of his notable works include "The Land War in Ireland", "Leaves from a Prison Diary," and "The Fall of Feudalism in Ireland." He was a skilled orator and traveled extensively throughout Ireland and the United States, delivering speeches on behalf of the Land League and other political causes. Davitt's advocacy for peace and nonviolence in the pursuit of Irish autonomy was influential in shaping the tactics of the Irish independence movement in the early 20th century. He died in Dublin in 1906, at the age of 60, and is remembered as a prominent figure in the struggle for Irish independence.

Read more about Michael Davitt on Wikipedia »

James Jeffrey Roche

James Jeffrey Roche (May 31, 1847 Ireland-April 3, 1908) a.k.a. James Jeffry Roche was an Irish author, journalist and diplomat. His child is Arthur Somers Roche.

Throughout his life, Roche was a prolific writer and contributed works to various newspapers and magazines, including the Boston Pilot, the Boston Post, and Harper's Weekly. He also authored several books, including Songs and Satires (1873) and The Renegade: A Tale of Robert Emmet's Insurrection in 1803 (1903).

In addition to his literary pursuits, Roche was also involved in politics and diplomatic relations. He served as the US consul in Genoa, Italy from 1883 to 1886, and later as the consul general in Leipzig, Germany from 1886 to 1889.

Roche returned to the United States in 1889 and continued his career as a journalist, accepting a position as editor of the Boston Pilot. He also became an advocate for Irish independence and worked closely with fellow Irish-American leaders such as John F. Finerty and Michael Davitt.

Roche passed away in 1908 at the age of 60, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a writer, diplomat, and advocate for Irish-American relations.

Roche was born in Mountmellick, County Laois, Ireland. He emigrated to the United States in 1866 and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. Roche's early writing focused on his Irish heritage and political issues related to Irish immigrants in America. He heavily criticized British rule in Ireland and was a vocal advocate for Irish independence.

Roche's literary works were well-received during his lifetime, with many praising his wit and humor. His contributions to the Boston Pilot, a Catholic newspaper, helped to increase its circulation and establish it as one of the leading newspapers in Boston. Roche also worked as an editor for the Boston Post and Harper's Weekly, further establishing his reputation as a respected journalist.

In addition to his diplomatic work in Italy and Germany, Roche also served as a mediator during the 1894 Pullman Strike, working to negotiate a peaceful resolution between the striking workers and the Pullman Palace Car Company.

Roche's son, Arthur Somers Roche, also went on to become a successful writer and journalist, authoring numerous novels and short stories. Today, James Jeffrey Roche is remembered as a talented writer, important political figure, and advocate for Irish-American relations.

Read more about James Jeffrey Roche on Wikipedia »

Related articles