Pathetic Facts

Irish music stars died at age 63

Here are 17 famous musicians from Republic of Ireland died at 63:

Shay Brennan

Shay Brennan (May 6, 1937 Manchester-June 9, 2000) was an Irish football player.

He played as a defender and spent most of his career with Manchester United, where he won three League Championships (1957, 1965, and 1967) and one European Cup (1968). He made a total of 358 appearances for the club and scored six goals.

Brennan also earned 19 caps for the Republic of Ireland national team between 1954 and 1964, although he never participated in a major international tournament. After retiring from professional football, he managed the League of Ireland club Waterford United for two seasons in the early 1970s.

Brennan is remembered as a talented and versatile defender who played a key role in Manchester United's success during the 1950s and 1960s.

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Dick Whittaker

Dick Whittaker (October 10, 1934-April 5, 1998) was an Irish personality.

He was most known for his work as a comedian and television presenter. Whittaker's career in entertainment began in the 1950s when he was a radio announcer for Ireland's state broadcaster, RTÉ. He rose to fame in the 1960s as a founding member of the popular comedy troupe, The Quare Fellas.

Whittaker later branched out into television, hosting several successful shows including "The Late Late Show" and "Whittaker's World". He was known for his quick wit and off-the-cuff humor, making him a beloved figure in Irish entertainment. Outside of his career in entertainment, Whittaker was also a successful businessman, owning several bars and hotels in Dublin.

He died in 1998 at the age of 63 after a battle with cancer. Whittaker is remembered as a trailblazer in Irish comedy and entertainment, and his contributions to the industry are still celebrated today.

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Peter Desmond

Peter Desmond (November 23, 1926 Cork-July 1, 1990) was an Irish personality.

He was a well-known Irish politician who served as a Teachta Dála (member of parliament) for the Cork constituency from 1957 until his retirement in 1981. During his political career, Desmond held several cabinet positions, including Minister for Health, Minister for Education, and Minister for Industry and Commerce. He also played a key role in promoting Irish industry and was instrumental in establishing the Industrial Development Authority. Desmond was also a well-respected author, publishing several books on Irish history and politics. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by the National University of Ireland in recognition of his contributions to Irish society.

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John Carty

John Carty (August 12, 1950 County Mayo-January 30, 2014) was an Irish personality.

He was a renowned traditional Irish musician known for his skill in playing the fiddle and banjo. Carty's music was deeply rooted in the west of Ireland, where he was born and raised, and he was considered one of the most influential musicians of his generation. In addition to his music, Carty was also a prolific composer of Irish traditional tunes. He won numerous awards throughout his career, including the TG4 Irish Traditional Musician of the Year Award in 2003. Carty also taught music, passing on his knowledge and love of traditional Irish music to future generations. He was a beloved member of the traditional Irish music community and his legacy lives on through his recordings, compositions, and the musicians he inspired.

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Maurice Fitzmaurice

Maurice Fitzmaurice (May 11, 1861 County Kerry-November 17, 1924 London) was an Irish personality.

He was primarily known for his work as a pioneering filmmaker and producer in Ireland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fitzmaurice began his career as a journalist before transitioning into film, creating his first motion picture in 1897. He went on to found the Irish Film Company, producing over 150 films during his career. In addition to his prolific work in the film industry, Fitzmaurice was also a noted politician, serving as a member of the British Parliament and the Irish Senate. He was known for his advocacy of Irish independence and was a prominent figure in the Irish nationalist movement. Fitzmaurice's contributions to both the film and political landscapes of Ireland have secured his legacy as an influential figure in Irish history.

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Patrick Kavanagh

Patrick Kavanagh (October 21, 1904 Inniskeen-November 30, 1967 Dublin) otherwise known as Kavanagh, Patrick was an Irish writer and poet.

Born in rural Ireland, Patrick Kavanagh was one of the most significant poets of the 20th century. Despite his limited formal education, Kavanagh was extremely well-read and his poetry often tackled themes of rural life, Irish identity, and spirituality. Some of his most famous works include "On Raglan Road," "The Great Hunger," and his autobiography, "The Green Fool." Kavanagh was also involved in the Irish literary scene, regularly attending meetings at the Dublin Writers' Workshop and being a mentor to younger poets. Today, he is remembered as one of Ireland's greatest modernist poets and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary Irish writers.

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Niall MacGinnis

Niall MacGinnis (March 29, 1913 Dublin-January 6, 1977 Newport, Wales) a.k.a. Niall McGinnis, Niall Macginnis or Niall MacGinniss was an Irish actor, surgeon and physician.

MacGinnis began his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in stage productions in Ireland and England. He eventually made the transition to film, and became known for his roles in classic British horror films, including "The Curse of Frankenstein" (1957) and "Horror of Dracula" (1958). He also appeared in historical epics such as "Spartacus" (1960) and "55 Days at Peking" (1963). In addition to his acting career, MacGinnis also pursued a career in medicine and worked as a surgeon and physician during World War II. Despite being diagnosed with cancer in the 1960s, he continued to act in films and on television until his death in 1977.

He died caused by cancer.

Read more about Niall MacGinnis on Wikipedia »

Alan Devlin

Alan Devlin (May 13, 1948 Dublin-May 13, 2011 Dalkey) was an Irish actor.

He began his career in theater, performing in a variety of productions throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom. Devlin later transitioned to television and film, appearing in several popular Irish dramas and comedies. He gained national recognition for his role in the beloved Irish sitcom "Glenroe," in which he played the character of Father Devereux for several years. Devlin's other notable credits include the films "In the Name of the Father" and "Michael Collins." In addition to his work as an actor, Devlin was also a passionate supporter of the arts and served as a board member for the Irish Arts Council. He passed away on his 63rd birthday after a battle with cancer.

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Michael Dwyer

Michael Dwyer (May 2, 1951 Tralee-April 5, 2015) was an Irish personality.

Michael Dwyer was an Irish personality known for his work as a film critic and journalist. He wrote for a number of publications throughout his career, including The Irish Times and Hot Press. He was a regular guest on RTE Radio 1's flagship movie programme, Arena, where he shared his insights and critiques on the latest films. Over the years, Dwyer became a beloved figure in the Irish film industry and was known for his enthusiasm and passion for cinema. He was also a founding member of the Dublin Film Critics Circle.

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Ray McAnally

Ray McAnally (March 30, 1926 Buncrana-June 15, 1989 County Wicklow) also known as Ray McAnnally was an Irish actor. He had four children, Conor McAnally, Aonghus McAnally, Maire McAnally and Niamh McAnally.

Ray McAnally was born in Buncrana, County Donegal, Ireland, and grew up in Dublin. He began his acting career in the 1940s and quickly became a respected performer in Irish theatre. In the 1960s, he began working in film and television and quickly gained international recognition for his talent.

McAnally won several prestigious awards for his acting, including a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "The Mission" in 1986. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the same role.

In addition to his acting work, McAnally was a founder member of the Dublin Theatre Festival and served as its chairman from 1971 to 1984. He was also a member of the board of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin.

McAnally was known for his versatility as an actor, playing a wide range of characters throughout his career. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 63 due to a heart attack.

He died caused by myocardial infarction.

Read more about Ray McAnally on Wikipedia »

Kathleen Ryan

Kathleen Ryan (September 8, 1922 Dublin-December 11, 1985 Dublin) was an Irish actor.

Kathleen Ryan was born in Dublin in 1922 and began her acting career on the stage in Ireland. She later moved to London where she became a familiar face on both stage and screen. Ryan appeared in several films, including the beloved holiday classic "A Christmas Carol" (1951) and the acclaimed drama "Fires Were Started" (1943). She also showcased her talents on television, earning critical praise for her performances in productions such as "An Age of Kings" (1960) and "The Playboy of the Western World" (1962). Despite her success in the UK, Ryan remained committed to her Celtic roots and frequently returned to Ireland to perform in plays and films. Her untimely death in 1985 was mourned by fans and colleagues across the industry.

She died as a result of respiratory disease.

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Sir Robert Ferguson, 2nd Baronet

Sir Robert Ferguson, 2nd Baronet (December 26, 1796-March 13, 1860) also known as Sir Robert Alexander Ferguson, Sir Robert Alexander Ferguson, 2nd Baronet or Robert Alexander Ferguson was an Irish politician.

He was born in Dublin, Ireland, and was the second Baronet Ferguson of Raith in the County of Fife, Scotland. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, and went on to enter political life. He served as a Member of Parliament for the borough of Londonderry in Northern Ireland and also held the position of High Sheriff of County Londonderry.

Aside from his political career, Sir Robert Ferguson was also a well-known patron of the arts and a great supporter of many charitable organisations. He had a particular interest in the study of history, and was a member of numerous societies that were dedicated to learning about and preserving Irish history.

Sir Robert Alexander Ferguson was married twice, first to Mary, the daughter of the Right Honourable Edmund Pery, and second to Matilda, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Hardress Waller, but he had no children. His title passed to his cousin, Sir Charles Ferguson, upon his death in 1860.

Paddy Clohessy

Paddy Clohessy (April 16, 1908 County Limerick-August 6, 1971) also known as Patrick Clohessy was an Irish athlete, politician and farmer.

He was known for his skills in the field of long distance running and represented Ireland in the marathon event at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He also won a bronze medal at the 1934 British Empire Games in London. In addition to his athletic career, Clohessy was heavily involved in politics as a member of the Fianna Fáil party. He served as a member of the Limerick County Council and was later elected to the Dáil Éireann in 1961. Clohessy was also a successful farmer, owning a 100-acre farm in County Limerick. He passed away on August 6, 1971 at the age of 63.

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Niall O'Brien

Niall O'Brien (February 8, 1946 Dalkey-February 25, 2009 Bray) was an Irish actor.

Niall O'Brien was known for his work both on the stage and on screen. He began his acting career in theatres in Dublin, including the Abbey Theatre and the Gate Theatre. He later transitioned into film and television, appearing in a number of Irish and British productions.

Some of O'Brien's notable film and TV credits include the films "Eat the Peach" and "The Most Fertile Man in Ireland," as well as TV shows like "Fair City" and "Father Ted." He also had a recurring role on the popular British soap opera "Coronation Street."

In addition to his acting work, O'Brien was also a talented musician and composer. He played the guitar and the bodhrán, a traditional Irish drum, and often incorporated music into his theatrical performances.

Following his passing, many of O'Brien's fellow actors and colleagues spoke highly of him, praising his talent, kindness, and generosity. He is remembered as a beloved figure in the Irish theatre and film community.

He died as a result of cancer.

Read more about Niall O'Brien on Wikipedia »

Constantine Fitzgibbon

Constantine Fitzgibbon (June 8, 1919 Lenox-March 25, 1983 Dublin) also known as Robert Louis Constantine Lee-Dillon Fitzgibbon was an Irish writer, novelist and historian. His children are Oonagh Fitzgibbon and Francis Fitzgibbon.

Fitzgibbon was born in Lenox, Massachusetts to Irish parents and later grew up in Ireland. He served in the British Army during World War II and worked as a journalist before embarking on a successful literary career. Fitzgibbon wrote several novels and works of nonfiction, including "The Life and Times of Moll Flanders" and "The Boys of Ballykelly." He also translated works from French and Italian into English, and his translations include "The Story of O" and "The Decameron." Fitzgibbon was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his biography of Louis XIV in 1964. He was married to the writer Mary Lavin for a short period of time. Fitzgibbon died in Dublin in 1983.

Thomas Henry Fitzgerald

Thomas Henry Fitzgerald (December 1, 1824 Carrickmacross-November 10, 1888 Australia) was an Irish politician, engineer and surveyor.

He was born in County Monaghan, Ireland to a family of landlords. Fitzgerald served as an engineer in England and became a captain in the British Army during the Crimean War. He then returned to Ireland where he served as a member of Parliament for Clare from 1857 to 1865.

Fitzgerald was known for his work in land reform and was a strong advocate for tenant rights. He also worked on improving infrastructure in Ireland, including the construction of railroads and canals.

In 1866, Fitzgerald emigrated to Australia and settled in Melbourne. He continued his engineering and surveying work, and served as a member of the Victorian Legislative Assembly from 1880 to 1888. Fitzgerald was instrumental in the development of Melbourne's suburban railway system, as well as the city's water supply system.

He died in 1888 at the age of 63 in Melbourne and was buried in the Melbourne General Cemetery.

Martin Moffat

Martin Moffat (April 15, 1882 County Sligo-January 5, 1946 County Sligo) was an Irish soldier.

Moffat was a member of the Irish Republican Army during the Irish War of Independence in the early 1920s. He was also involved in the Irish Civil War and fought on the side of the anti-Treaty IRA. Moffat was known for his dedication to the Republican cause and was highly respected by his fellow soldiers. After the civil war, Moffat returned to his hometown in County Sligo where he lived until his death in 1946. Despite his service to the IRA, Moffat remained a relatively unknown figure in Irish history until recent years when more attention has been given to the contributions of ordinary people to the struggle for Irish independence.

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