Irish music stars died at age 43
Here are 7 famous musicians from Republic of Ireland died at 43:
Darrell Figgis
Darrell Figgis (September 17, 1882 Rathmines-October 27, 1925 London) otherwise known as Darrell Edmund Figgis was an Irish politician and writer.
Figgis was a key figure in the Irish revolutionary movement and was a member of the provisional government during the Easter Rising. He was subsequently imprisoned in England and following his release, he became an active member of the Sinn Féin party. Figgis was a prolific writer and author of numerous books, including political and historical works. He was also a co-founder of the Irish Theatre and a leading member of the literary revival movement. Figgis' death came as a shock to many, as he was well respected in both political and literary circles. His legacy continues to be felt today in Ireland and beyond.
Figgis was born in Rathmines, a suburb of Dublin, and was educated at Trinity College Dublin before embarking on a career in journalism. He went on to become an editor of several newspapers and magazines, including the United Irishman and Sinn Féin, where he used his platform to promote the cause of Irish independence. He also held various positions within the Sinn Féin party, including serving as one of its first elected representatives in the British parliament.
In addition to his political activities, Figgis was a talented writer and intellectual. He was a close associate of many of the leading figures in the Irish literary revival, including W.B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, and George Moore. He co-founded the Irish Theatre with Yeats and Gregory and contributed to several of its productions, including the classic play, Cathleen ni Houlihan.
Despite his many accomplishments, Figgis was a troubled and complex figure. He struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life, and his suicide at the age of just 43 was a devastating loss to his friends and colleagues. However, his contributions to the cause of Irish independence and the growth of Irish literature continue to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
Figgis' political career was marked by a commitment to the cause of Irish independence. He played a key role in the Easter Rising of 1916, serving as a member of the provisional government and working in the department of publicity. Following the failure of the uprising, Figgis was arrested and imprisoned in England, where he spent several months before being released in December 1916.
Upon his return to Ireland, Figgis became involved in the Sinn Féin party and was elected as one of its first representatives in the British parliament in 1918. He served as a member of parliament until 1922, when he resigned in protest over the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
Despite his political activities, Figgis is perhaps best known for his contributions to Irish literature. He was a prolific writer and author of numerous books, including political and historical works, as well as plays and poetry. He was particularly interested in the history of Ireland and wrote extensively on the subject, including a seminal work on the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
Figgis was also a vocal advocate for the Irish language and was involved in efforts to promote its use and preservation. He was a co-founder of the Irish Language League and served as its president for several years.
Figgis' contributions to Irish politics and literature were recognized and celebrated during his lifetime, and his legacy continues to be felt today. He remains a revered figure in both Irish history and the world of letters, remembered for his achievements and his enduring commitment to the cause of Irish independence.
He died in suicide.
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Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan (September 6, 1965 Mullingar-February 20, 2009 Beaumont Hospital, Dublin) was an Irish novelist.
He was known for his works on the Irish Troubles, particularly his debut novel "Under the Eye of the Clock," which was written entirely by using a specially adapted typewriter due to his cerebral palsy. Nolan's writing style was characterized by its lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and expression of the human condition. He won numerous literary awards throughout his career, including the Whitbread Book Award and the Guinness Peat Aviation Book Award. Nolan passed away in 2009 due to a stroke.
Christopher Nolan was born in Mullingar, Ireland, on September 6, 1965. He was the youngest of the ten children of Joseph and Bernadette Nolan. Christopher was born with cerebral palsy, and could not control his body movements or speech. However, he was determined to live a full life, and began writing stories at a young age.
Nolan's first novel, "Under the Eye of the Clock," was published in 1987 to critical acclaim. The book was written using a specially adapted typewriter, which Nolan operated with a stick attached to his forehead. The novel was based on Nolan's own experiences living with cerebral palsy, and it earned him international recognition.
In addition to his novels, Nolan was also a talented poet and playwright. His work often explored themes of disability, love, and the human spirit. Some of his most notable works include "The Banyan Tree," "The Miracle," and "The Lady of Shallot."
Despite his physical challenges, Nolan lived a rich and full life. He traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and was a sought-after speaker on disability rights and literature. He passed away on February 20, 2009, at Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, following a stroke. Though he was only 43 years old at the time of his death, Nolan left behind a legacy of powerful writing and inspiring perseverance.
Nolan's legacy continues to inspire readers and writers alike, and his impact on the literary world is immeasurable. Several of his works, including "Under the Eye of the Clock," have been translated into multiple languages and remain popular today. In addition to his literary achievements, Nolan was also a passionate advocate for disability rights and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. His contributions to the field of disability studies have been widely recognized and continue to shape conversations around disability and identity. Nolan's life is a testament to the power of resilience and creativity, and his legacy serves as a reminder that true greatness can come from the most unlikely of places.
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Dave Gallaher
Dave Gallaher (October 30, 1873 Ramelton-October 4, 1917 Passendale) a.k.a. David "Dave" Gallaher or David Gallaher was an Irish football player.
Correction: Dave Gallaher was not a football player, but rather a rugby player. He captained the New Zealand national rugby team, also known as the All Blacks, on their first overseas tour in 1905. Gallaher was also a World War I veteran and died in action in Belgium in 1917. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in the history of New Zealand rugby, and his legacy continues to inspire both players and fans of the sport worldwide.
Gallaher's rugby career began with the Ponsonby club in Auckland, where he played as a forward. He earned his first test cap for the All Blacks in 1903 against Australia and went on to play in a total of 36 matches for his country. Known for his tenacity, leadership, and tireless work rate on the field, Gallaher quickly became a fan favorite and was voted by his teammates to be the first-ever captain of the All Blacks.
His leadership proved vital in the famous 1905 tour of the British Isles, France, and North America, where the All Blacks went undefeated against all opposition, winning 34 of their 35 matches. The tour is now considered a landmark moment in the history of rugby union and helped establish the All Blacks as a dominant force in the sport.
Despite his success, Gallaher remained humble and committed to the principles of fair play and sportsmanship throughout his career. Off the field, he worked as a teacher and was highly respected in the rugby community for his dedication to the sport.
Tragically, Gallaher's life was cut short when he was killed in action during the Battle of Passchendaele in World War I. He was buried in Belgium, but his memory lives on through the continued legacy of the All Blacks and the sport of rugby union.
In honor of Gallaher's contributions to New Zealand rugby, the New Zealand Rugby Union named the Gallaher Cup after him. The cup is awarded to the winner of the annual test match between New Zealand and France. Additionally, Galaher has been posthumously inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame and the International Rugby Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990, and a statue of him was erected in his hometown of Ramelton in 2010. Gallaher's legacy has inspired generations of All Blacks players, and his influence on the sport of rugby union continues to be felt around the world.
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Sean Kenny
Sean Kenny (December 23, 1929 Portroe-June 11, 1973 London) was an Irish set designer, costume designer, theatre director and production designer. He had three children, Mac Kenny, Shane Kenny and Mark Kenny.
Sean Kenny was best known for his contributions to the British theatre in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a member of the innovative design team for the landmark 1955 production of "Oh! What A Lovely War" at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East. Kenny also designed the original set for "The Railway Children" in 1968, which remains one of the longest-running plays in London's West End.
Aside from his theatre work, Kenny also contributed to the film industry as a production designer for movies such as "The Deadly Affair" (1966) and "The Man Who Haunted Himself" (1970). He was a dear friend of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and designed Yoko's famous "Bag Piece" performance art installation in 1965.
Kenny's innovative and unconventional designs broke the mould of traditional theatre and set a new standard for stage design. His creative vision continues to inspire today's set designers and theatre directors.
Additionally, Sean Kenny was a self-taught designer and director, having dropped out of art school in Ireland at the age of 17. He began his career in theatre as a scenic artist before moving on to design and direction. Kenny was also known for his use of unconventional materials in his set designs, such as utilizing scaffolding and scrap metal for the set of "Oh! What A Lovely War". He was a founding member of the Theatre Workshop and worked closely with its founder, Joan Littlewood, on several productions. In addition to his work in theatre and film, Sean Kenny was also a painter and sculptor, and his artwork was exhibited in galleries across Europe. Kenny's contribution to the British theatre scene in the 1950s and 1960s earned him critical acclaim and left a lasting impact on the industry.
Despite his remarkable success in the theatre industry, Sean Kenny faced several personal and financial struggles throughout his career. He suffered from alcoholism and struggled to manage his finances, which led to several bankruptcies. Kenny also faced criticism over his design choices, with some audiences and critics finding them too unconventional or distracting. Despite these challenges, Kenny remained dedicated to his craft and continued to push the boundaries of set design and direction. He inspired and mentored several young artists and designers in the industry, passing on his innovative techniques and creative vision. Today, he is remembered as a pioneer in stage design and a trailblazer in the British theatre scene of the 1950s and 1960s.
He died in myocardial infarction.
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Dennis O'Brien
Dennis O'Brien (June 17, 1899 Dublin-September 9, 1942 Ballyboden) also known as Detective Sergeant Denis O'Brien, Dinny or Dinny O’Brien was an Irish soldier and police officer.
Dennis O'Brien had a noteworthy career in law enforcement, serving as a Detective Sergeant for the Dublin Metropolitan Police. He played a key role in investigating some high-profile crimes in Ireland during the early 20th century, and was known for his bravery and intelligence. In addition to his law enforcement work, O'Brien was also a member of the Irish Army Reserve, and saw active duty during the 1919-1921 Irish War of Independence. Tragically, his life was cut short when he was assassinated by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1942, as part of their campaign against British rule in Ireland. His death was widely mourned, and he is remembered as a hero by his colleagues and fellow citizens.
O'Brien's investigative work included solving the notorious case of a triple murder in Dublin in 1923, in which three members of the same family were killed. He was also involved in the investigation of the Sallins Train Robbery in 1935, in which a large sum of money was stolen from a train. O'Brien's success in these cases was due in part to his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to gather and analyze evidence. He was also known for his ability to gain the trust of witnesses and suspects, and for his calm and methodical approach to police work.
During his military service, O'Brien was involved in several engagements with Irish Republican Army fighters, including a battle near Blessington in 1921. He was known for his bravery in battle and his leadership skills.
After his death, O'Brien was honored with a state funeral and was buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin. A memorial plaque was also placed in his honor at the site of his assassination in Ballyboden. Today, he is remembered as a dedicated and courageous law enforcement officer who gave his life in service to his country.
O'Brien was born in Dublin in 1899 and grew up in the city. He began his law enforcement career as a member of the Dublin Metropolitan Police in the early 1920s, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his skills and dedication to the job. He also continued to serve in the Irish Army Reserve, which he had joined as a young man.
As a detective, O'Brien was respected for his thoroughness and his ability to uncover evidence that others had missed. He was involved in many high-profile cases during his career, including the investigation of the assassination of Sean Hales, a member of the Irish Parliament, in 1922. The case was complicated by the fact that Hales had been killed by members of the Irish Republican Army, who were still actively fighting the British authorities in Ireland.
Despite the danger involved in investigating such crimes, O'Brien never hesitated to put himself in harm's way in order to do his job. He was widely admired by his colleagues for his bravery and his commitment to serving the people of Ireland.
O'Brien's death at the hands of the IRA was a tragedy not only for his family and friends, but for the entire country. His funeral was attended by many prominent figures in Irish society, and his loss was felt deeply by those who knew him. Today, his legacy lives on as a reminder of the sacrifices that law enforcement officers make in order to protect their communities.
He died as a result of assassination.
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Gerard Dillon
Gerard Dillon (April 5, 2015 Belfast-June 14, 1971) a.k.a. Gerard Dillon was an Irish artist and visual artist.
Dillon was known for his vibrant and expressive paintings inspired by the Irish landscape and its people. He was largely self-taught, but also studied at the Belfast College of Art. In the 1940s, Dillon became a member of the White Stag group, a circle of artists that included George Campbell and Colin Middleton. His work was often characterized by his use of bold colors and his ability to capture the essence of Irish life and culture. Dillon's work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and his paintings are held in collections around the world. He was also the subject of several documentaries and books on Irish art. Despite struggling with alcoholism throughout his life, Dillon's artistic legacy continues to inspire and influence artists today.
Dillon's most famous works include "The Yellow Bungalow", "The Picnic", and "The Herring Seller". His paintings often depicted scenes of rural life, from traditional Irish cottages to colorful landscapes populated by wildlife and people. After struggling with alcoholism for much of his life, Dillon eventually moved to London in the 1960s, where he continued to paint and exhibit his work. He died in 1971 at the age of 56. In 2003, the Gerard Dillon Gallery was established in Dublin to celebrate his life and work, and in 2015 he was honored with a postage stamp by the Irish postal service to commemorate the centenary of his birth. Dillon remains one of Ireland's most beloved and influential artists, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.
In addition to his vibrant paintings, Gerard Dillon was also a skilled illustrator and designer. He illustrated several books, including "Fairy Tales of Ireland" by W.B. Yeats, and designed sets and costumes for theatrical productions. Dillon was also known for his love of traditional Irish music and dance, which often influenced his artwork. He was a regular attendee of music sessions in Dublin and was even known to incorporate musical instruments into his paintings. Despite his struggles with alcoholism, Dillon was a beloved figure in the Irish art world and was known for his generosity and kindness towards other artists. Today, his paintings can be found in the collections of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Hugh Lane Gallery, and the National Gallery of Ireland, among others. His legacy as one of Ireland's most notable artists continues to be celebrated, and his work remains an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
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Alexander Young
Alexander Young (January 27, 1873 Clarinbridge-October 19, 1916 France) was an Irish soldier.
Alexander Young was born in Clarinbridge, County Galway, Ireland on January 27, 1873. He joined the Irish Guards in 1904 and served with distinction in various conflicts, including the First World War. He was known for his bravery and leadership qualities, and quickly rose through the ranks to become a captain.
Young was deployed to France in 1915, where he saw action in many of the major battles of the war, including the Battle of Loos and the Battle of the Somme. On October 19, 1916, he was killed in action while leading his men in an attack on German positions near Flers.
Young was posthumously awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in that battle, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, along with more than 72,000 other soldiers who died in the Somme sector and have no known graves. He is remembered as one of the notable Irish soldiers of the Great War.
Young's military career was a distinguished one, marked by numerous acts of bravery and leadership. He also had a passion for writing and wrote several articles for The Irish Times under the pseudonym "Spectator". In addition to his wartime exploits, Young was also an accomplished athlete and represented Ireland in the 400 metres at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris. He was a devoted family man and left behind a wife and four children. His legacy as a hero of the Great War has been commemorated in many ways, including the naming of a street in his hometown of Clarinbridge in his honor.
In addition to being a soldier, athlete, and writer, Alexander Young was also a skilled linguist. He spoke English, Irish, French, and German fluently, and his language skills were invaluable in his military service. During his time in France, he often acted as an interpreter for his commanding officers and helped to facilitate communication with French and German troops.
After his death, Young's letters and writings were collected and published in a book called "Letters and Diaries of Captain Alexander Young". This book provides insight into his experiences as a soldier and his thoughts and feelings about the war.
Young's legacy as a hero of the Great War has been celebrated in various ways over the years. In addition to the street named after him in Clarinbridge, there is also a plaque in his honor at the Irish Guards Depot in London. The Alexander Young Room at the Officers' Club in the Curragh Camp is also named after him.
Overall, Alexander Young's life was marked by a dedication to his country, his family, and his passions. His bravery, leadership, and linguistic abilities made him a valuable member of the Irish Guards, and his legacy lives on as a reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers during the First World War.
He died caused by killed in action.
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