Pathetic Facts

Irish music stars died at age 55

Here are 10 famous musicians from Republic of Ireland died at 55:

Mattie Clarke

Mattie Clarke (April 5, 2015-January 6, 1960) was an Irish personality.

Born in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, Clarke emigrated to the United States in the early 20th century. She gained fame as a poet and writer, publishing several books including "The Ould Sod" and "Songs from the Heart of Ireland." In addition to her literary pursuits, Clarke was also active in the Irish-American community, advocating for Irish independence and supporting causes related to immigration and workers' rights. She died in New York City at the age of 74.

Clarke was a prolific writer and her poems were often sentimental odes to her homeland, Ireland, and the Irish diaspora. She was widely regarded as an authority on Irish folklore and culture, and her work played a significant role in promoting these traditions in the United States. Clarke's contributions to the Irish-American community were also notable. She was a founding member of a number of organizations, including the Irish Women's Association and the American Irish Historical Society, and served as an editor for the Irish Echo newspaper. She was a passionate advocate for Irish independence and was involved in fundraising efforts during the Irish War of Independence. Clarke's legacy continues to inspire Irish Americans and others interested in Irish culture and history.

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Andy McEvoy

Andy McEvoy (July 15, 1938 Dublin-May 7, 1994) was an Irish personality.

He is best known for his work as a radio and television presenter. McEvoy started his career in broadcasting as a newsreader for RTÉ in the 1960s. He went on to become a popular radio host, known for his wit and humor. He hosted several popular shows on RTÉ Radio, including "The Late, Late Early Show" and "The Andy McEvoy Show".

In addition to his radio work, McEvoy also appeared on television as a presenter and commentator. He was a regular contributor to RTÉ's sports coverage, providing commentary on football and rugby matches. He also presented several television programs, including "Evening Extra" and "The Andy McEvoy Show".

McEvoy was widely regarded as one of Ireland's most talented broadcasters. His humor and quick wit made him a favorite among listeners and viewers alike. He received numerous accolades for his work, including several awards from the Irish Film and Television Academy.

Sadly, McEvoy passed away in 1994 at the age of 55. His legacy in Irish broadcasting continues to be celebrated to this day.

Outside of broadcasting, McEvoy was also a passionate supporter of the arts. He was a founding member of the Dublin Theatre Festival and served as its chairman for several years. He was also involved in the establishment of the National Concert Hall in Dublin. McEvoy was known for his charitable work and was involved with several organizations, including the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation.

Throughout his career, McEvoy was known for his support and encouragement of up-and-coming talent. He mentored many young broadcasters and performers, helping them to develop their skills and find success in the industry.

In his personal life, McEvoy was married with three children. He was a private person and kept his personal life out of the public eye. However, he was known for his love of music and was an accomplished pianist.

Today, McEvoy is remembered as a beloved figure in Irish broadcasting and entertainment. His wit, humor, and dedication to the arts continue to inspire new generations of broadcasters and performers.

Read more about Andy McEvoy on Wikipedia »

Paddy Duncan

Paddy Duncan (April 5, 1894 Republic of Ireland-April 9, 1949) was an Irish personality.

Paddy Duncan was an accomplished athlete, excelling in various sports such as soccer, boxing, and hurling during his early years. He joined the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1913 and participated in the Easter Rising of 1916. After serving time in prison for his involvement in the rebellion, Duncan went on to become a prominent figure in the Irish labor movement. He worked as a trade union organizer and was instrumental in establishing the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU). Duncan was also a member of the Irish Senate from 1943 until his death in 1949. He is remembered today for his contributions to the Irish nationalist cause and the labor movement in Ireland.

Duncan continued his involvement in politics as a member of the Sinn Féin political party. In addition to his political and labor activities, he was also a journalist and wrote for the Irish Workers' Voice and The Voice of Labour newspapers. Duncan's writing focused on advocating for workers' rights and social justice issues.

During World War II, when Ireland remained neutral, Duncan became a controversial figure due to his sympathy for the Axis powers, and later his outspoken criticism of Irish government policies. Despite this, he remained a popular and respected figure among his supporters.

In 1947, Duncan was diagnosed with leukemia and he passed away on April 9, 1949, at the age of 55. He left behind a legacy as a passionate advocate for workers' rights and Irish nationalist causes, as well as a talented athlete and writer.

Read more about Paddy Duncan on Wikipedia »

Bob Carlos Clarke

Bob Carlos Clarke (June 24, 1950 Cork-March 25, 2006 London) was an Irish photographer.

Clarke was known for his provocative and controversial photographs that explored themes of sexuality, fetishism, and eroticism. He studied photography at the West Sussex College of Art before moving on to work in the advertising industry. He gained international recognition for his work in the 1980s and 90s with publications such as Vogue, GQ, and The Sunday Times Magazine. His work also led him to collaborate with musicians such as Marianne Faithfull and the band The Eurythmics. Clarke's photographs are featured in numerous private collections and have been exhibited in galleries worldwide. In 2005, a retrospective exhibition of his work was held at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Despite his success, Clarke struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life, ultimately taking his own life in 2006.

Bob Carlos Clarke's work was known for its use of dramatic lighting and staging, often featuring women in suggestive poses and attire. His most famous series of photographs, called "The Agony and the Ecstasy," explored the intersection of pain and pleasure in BDSM culture. Clarke's work stirred controversy and criticism from some who felt it objectified women, but he defended his artistic vision, saying that he aimed to create visually striking images that challenged viewers' expectations and preconceptions. In addition to his photography, Clarke also taught at the London College of Printing and was a sought-after speaker and lecturer. Clarke's tragic death continues to be a reminder of the toll that mental illness can take, even on those who appear to have achieved great success.

He died caused by suicide.

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Sean Lawlor

Sean Lawlor (January 25, 1954 Dublin-October 10, 2009 Dublin) also known as Seán Lawlor was an Irish actor and playwright.

He is best known for his role as Malcolm Wallace in the 1995 film Braveheart. Lawlor appeared in several films and TV series such as Veronica Guerin, Minder and Fair City.

Aside from acting, Lawlor was also a successful playwright, with his play Yeats Remembers premiering at the National Library of Ireland in 2010, a year after his death. He was also a member of the Gaiety School of Acting board of directors and taught acting and drama to young people in Dublin. Lawlor was married to actress Marie Mullen and they had one child together.

In addition to his work in film and theater, Lawlor was also a noted voice actor. He provided voiceovers for several documentaries and was the narrator for the RTÉ series "Waterways: The Royal Canal". He was also a talented musician, playing guitar and singing Irish folk songs. Lawlor was a prominent figure in the Irish arts community and was well-respected for his contributions to Irish culture. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 55 due to cancer. A scholarship in his name was established at the Gaiety School of Acting to honor his legacy and dedication to the arts.

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William Henry Harvey

William Henry Harvey (February 5, 1811 Limerick-May 15, 1866 Torquay) was an Irish botanist.

Harvey was renowned for his work on the seaweeds of the British Isles, South Africa, and Australia. He was appointed as the first director of the Indian Museum in Calcutta, where he spent several years collecting specimens of flora and fauna. Harvey's publication of "Phycologia Britannica" in 1846 established him as one of the leading marine biologists of his time. In addition to his scientific contributions, he was also a skilled watercolour artist and produced many exquisite illustrations of seaweeds. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most prominent phycologists of the 19th century.

Harvey was born into a wealthy family and received his education at Trinity College in Dublin, where he developed an interest in botany. He went on to study medicine at Edinburgh University, but his passion for botany led him to abandon his medical studies and pursue a career in science. In 1836, he was appointed as the curator of the herbarium at Trinity College, and it was during this time that he began to focus his research on seaweeds.

Harvey's work on seaweeds was groundbreaking and helped to establish the field of phycology as a separate branch of botany. His studies of the marine flora of South Africa and Australia expanded our understanding of the distribution of seaweed species around the world. Harvey also played a key role in the establishment of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney and the Cape of Good Hope Botanical Gardens in South Africa.

Throughout his career, Harvey received numerous honors and awards for his scientific contributions. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1853 and was awarded their Royal Medal in 1859. In 1864, he was awarded the Linnean Society's prestigious Darwin-Wallace Medal.

Sadly, Harvey's health began to decline in the mid-1860s, and he died of a heart attack in 1866 at the age of 55. Despite his untimely death, Harvey's legacy as a pioneering phycologist continues to be celebrated today.

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Somerset Butler, 1st Earl of Carrick

Somerset Butler, 1st Earl of Carrick (September 6, 1718-April 15, 1774) also known as The Viscount Ikerrin, Somerset Butler, Somerset Hamilton Butler or 1st Earl of Carrick was an Irish personality. He had five children, Henry Butler, 2nd Earl of Carrick, Hon. James Butler, Lady Margaret Butler, Lady Henrietta Butler and Pierce Butler-Cooper.

In addition to his role as an earl, Somerset Butler was also a member of parliament for Carlow County in Ireland from 1741 until he inherited the earldom in 1758. He was a supporter of the government and held several military positions, including colonel of the Carlow Militia and lieutenant colonel of the 35th Foot Regiment. Butler was also a member of the Irish Privy Council and served as a lord justice of Ireland in 1761.

Butler is perhaps best known for his lavish lifestyle and his interest in gambling. He was a notorious spendthrift, and his extravagant spending ultimately led to financial ruin. He was forced to sell off many of his estates and died deeply in debt.

Despite his financial troubles, Butler remained a popular figure in Irish society, thanks in large part to his generosity and wit. He was known for his love of music and the arts, and he was a patron of many artists and musicians in Ireland.

Butler was born in Ireland, the son of Brinsley Butler, 2nd Viscount Ikerrin, and his wife Margaret Hamilton. He was educated at Trinity College Dublin and later went on a grand tour of Europe, where he developed a taste for the finer things in life.

In addition to his political and military pursuits, Butler was also a noted sportsman. He was an avid horse racer and breeder, and his horses won many races in Ireland and England. He was also a skilled angler and enjoyed fishing in the rivers and lakes of Ireland.

Butler was married twice, first to Lady Sarah Lennox, with whom he had two children, and later to Lady Betty Hamilton, with whom he had three children. His descendants include notable figures such as Pierce Butler, one of the signers of the United States Constitution, and the actress Sarah Butler.

Despite his many accomplishments, Butler's legacy is often overshadowed by his financial troubles. Nevertheless, his wit, charm, and love of the arts and leisure continue to be celebrated in Irish history and culture.

Patrick Swift

Patrick Swift (August 12, 1927 Dublin-July 19, 1983 Algarve) was an Irish artist and visual artist.

In addition to being a painter, Patrick Swift was also a writer and publisher. He co-founded and edited the literary magazine X with his friend, Irish poet David Wright. Swift also worked as a portraitist, and painted several noteworthy figures including Irish writer Samuel Beckett, Lord Longford, and fellow artist Lucian Freud. In the 1950s and 60s, Swift lived and worked in London as a part of a community of Irish artists known as "the London Irish". However, he eventually moved to Portugal where he spent the rest of his life. Other notable works by Swift include his illustrations for a 1964 edition of James Joyce's book "Dubliners", and his mural "Our Country" which hangs in the Irish embassy in London.

Despite his immense talent as an artist, Patrick Swift struggled with alcoholism for much of his life, which ultimately contributed to his early death at the age of 55. Swift is remembered for his contributions to the Irish arts scene, both in his home country and in London. His work, which often explored themes of isolation and loneliness, is celebrated for its emotional depth and technical skill. Today, many of Swift's paintings are held in prominent collections around the world, including the Tate Gallery in London and the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin.

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Donagh MacDonagh

Donagh MacDonagh (November 22, 1912 Dublin-January 1, 1968 Dublin) was an Irish judge and writer.

He was a member of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during his youth and also played an important role in the Easter Rising of 1916. After the Rising, he was imprisoned in England along with his father. Later, he became a barrister and served as a judge of the Circuit Court of Ireland.

MacDonagh was also a prolific writer and playwright. His best-known work is the play "Happy as Larry," which was first performed in 1960. He also wrote several poems that are still popular in Ireland today, including "The Patriot Dead" and "Death of Cuchulain." In addition to his legal and literary pursuits, MacDonagh was an accomplished athlete and was skilled in rugby, cricket, and boxing.

MacDonagh was born into a family of artists, with his father being a well-known sculptor and his mother a painter. He inherited their artistic talents and was also an accomplished musician, playing the uilleann pipes and the violin. In 1951, he was appointed to the High Court of Ireland and later served as a judge of the Supreme Court of Ireland. Throughout his career, he remained committed to the principles of Irish independence and was an active member of the Irish cultural and literary scene. He died on New Year's Day in 1968 after suffering a heart attack while out for a walk in Dublin. Today he is remembered as one of Ireland's most talented and influential literary figures.

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Hans Moore

Hans Moore (March 31, 1834 Carlingford, County Louth-October 6, 1889 Lough Derg) was an Irish soldier.

He was born to a family of modest means in Carlingford, County Louth, Ireland. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the British Army, and was posted to India. During his 12 years of service, he saw action in several campaigns, including the Indian Rebellion of 1857. He rose to the rank of Sergeant before he left the army in 1867.

Upon returning to Ireland, Hans Moore started working as a farmer. However, his military experience had instilled in him a strong sense of duty and loyalty to his country, which led him to become involved in the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), a secret organization that sought to overthrow British rule in Ireland.

In 1867, Moore was one of the leaders of an unsuccessful attempt to incite a rebellion in County Kerry. He was arrested and sentenced to ten years in prison. He spent five years at Portland Convict Prison in England, where he was known for his defiance of authority and refusal to wear the prison uniform.

After his release in 1872, Moore returned to Ireland and resumed his work as a farmer. He remained an active member of the IRB, and was involved in planning the failed Easter Rising of 1916.

Today, Hans Moore is remembered as a hero of Irish nationalism, and his legacy lives on in the struggle for Irish independence.

Hans Moore's dedication to Ireland's independence did not wane even after his imprisonment. Along with being involved in the planning of the Easter Rising, he continued to work for the cause of Irish freedom by fundraising and organizing meetings. In 1873, he was even elected as the president of the IRB's Louth branch. Moore's contribution to the Irish nationalist movement was not limited to his political activities, as he was also a respected poet and writer who promoted Irish language and culture. One of his most famous poems, "Aisling Ghear," or "The Famine's Lament," vividly described the devastation caused by the Irish Potato Famine. Moore passed away in 1889 at the age of 55, but his legacy remained a source of inspiration for generations of Irish nationalists who continued the struggle for independence.

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