Irish music stars died at age 66
Here are 8 famous musicians from Republic of Ireland died at 66:
Jackie O'Driscoll
Jackie O'Driscoll (September 20, 1921 Cork-April 5, 1988) was an Irish personality.
Jackie O'Driscoll is best known for her work in the entertainment industry as a singer and actress. She began her career as a singer in her hometown of Cork, Ireland, and later moved to London to pursue her passion for music. She became known for her beautiful voice and charm, earning her roles in several films and television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Aside from her entertainment career, O'Driscoll was also passionate about charitable causes. She was known for her work with disabled children and spent much of her time volunteering and assisting with fundraising efforts. She was also active in political and social causes, advocating for the rights of women and minorities.
O'Driscoll was married twice and had three children. She passed away in 1988 from complications due to cancer, leaving behind a legacy as a talented entertainer and dedicated philanthropist.
Later in her career, Jackie O'Driscoll turned her attention to the theater world where she starred in numerous stage productions in both Ireland and the UK. She was particularly known for her performances of Irish folk songs and ballads.The multi-talented O'Driscoll was also a regular broadcaster for Radio Éireann (now RTÉ Radio) and often performed traditional Irish music live on air. Her contributions to Irish music and entertainment were recognized in 1979 with the award of a prestigious Jacob's Award, which honours outstanding achievement in Irish television and radio.She was greatly admired for her compassion and humanity, and her memory lives on through the work of the Jackie O'Driscoll Memorial Fund, which supports various charitable causes in Ireland.
Throughout her career, Jackie O'Driscoll collaborated with various famous musicians and entertainers of her time. She worked alongside Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Perry Como in several musical productions. She also appeared in the 1955 film "The Rising of the Moon" directed by John Ford. Her other notable film appearances include "Top of the Town" and "Woman in a Dressing Gown." In her later years, she dedicated her time to mentoring young performers and assisting them in advancing their careers in the entertainment industry.
As an advocate for social change, O'Driscoll was vocal about issues such as domestic violence, women's rights, and equality. She was a member of the Women's Social and Progressive League and campaigned for the rights of women in Ireland. Her tireless efforts to make a positive impact on society led to her being awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1976.
Jackie O'Driscoll's impact on Irish culture and entertainment continues to be felt to this day. She is remembered as an accomplished performer, a passionate humanitarian, and a true icon of her time.
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Jimmy Rudd
Jimmy Rudd (October 25, 1919 Dublin-December 8, 1985) was an Irish personality.
He is best known for his work as a journalist and broadcaster. After studying at Trinity College Dublin, Rudd began his career in broadcasting as a newsreader for Radio Éireann (now RTÉ) in the 1940s. He later became a presenter and interviewer, known for his incisive questioning and in-depth analysis.
Rudd was also a prominent journalist, writing for several Irish newspapers including The Irish Times and The Sunday Independent. He covered a wide range of topics and was particularly known for his political commentary and analysis.
In addition to his journalistic work, Rudd was also a respected author. He wrote several books on Irish history and politics, including a biography of Eamon de Valera, one of the country's most prominent political figures.
Throughout his career, Rudd was widely respected for his intelligence and insight. He received several honors, including the Freedom of the City of Dublin in 1980. Despite suffering from ill health in the latter years of his life, he continued to work and remained a tireless advocate for journalism, broadcasting, and the advancement of Irish culture.
In addition to his work in broadcasting, journalism, and authorship, Jimmy Rudd was also involved in Irish theater. He was a founding member of the Dublin Theatre Festival and served as its chairman in the 1970s. He also wrote several plays, including "The Catholic Boy" and "The Sugarman." Alongside his creative endeavors, Rudd was a strong advocate for the preservation of Irish cultural heritage. He served on the board of the National Library of Ireland and was a member of the Royal Irish Academy. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer in Irish journalism and broadcasting, and a key figure in the country's cultural and intellectual life.
Rudd's contribution to Irish broadcasting and journalism was unparalleled. He was one of the first Irish journalists to be awarded the Jacob's Award, the country's most prestigious broadcasting award, for his coverage of the general election in 1965. His coverage of the Troubles in Northern Ireland was particularly notable, with his reports often providing unique insights into the conflict.
Rudd was not afraid to ask difficult questions and challenge those in power. His interviews with politicians, including Taoiseach Jack Lynch, were especially incisive and revealed a great deal about the workings of Irish politics at the time. His reporting on the Arms Crisis of the early 1970s was particularly noteworthy, as it helped to expose political corruption at the highest levels of government.
In addition to his work as a journalist, broadcaster, and author, Rudd was also a dedicated family man. He was married to Sheila Moffat for over 30 years and had six children. Despite his busy career, he always made time for his family, and was known for his kindness and generosity.
Jimmy Rudd's legacy continues to inspire young journalists and broadcasters today. His commitment to truth, accuracy, and fairness set an example for all those who seek to inform and educate the public. His contributions to Irish culture and society are a testament to his remarkable talent, passion, and dedication.
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Audley Archdall
Audley Archdall (June 6, 1826-February 27, 1893 Gloucestershire) was an Irish personality.
He was an Anglo-Irish landowner and Conservative politician, who served as the Member of Parliament for Fermanagh from 1859 to 1865. Archdall was born into a prominent Irish family and inherited a substantial estate in Fermanagh after his father's death. He also served as High Sheriff of Fermanagh and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the county. Archdall was known for his philanthropic work and was involved in improving the welfare of the local community through various charitable initiatives. He was also a keen sportsman and an accomplished horseback rider, winning several prizes in equestrian competitions. Despite his successes, Archdall's political career was cut short when he was defeated in the 1865 general election. He retired from public life and spent his remaining years on his estate.
During his time as a member of parliament, Archdall was an advocate for agricultural reform and frequently spoke on issues related to agriculture and rural development. He was also a supporter of the Protestant Church of Ireland and was involved in efforts to promote the growth and influence of the church.
In addition to his parliamentary and philanthropic work, Archdall was known for his love of the arts, particularly music. He was an accomplished pianist and often hosted musical performances and events at his estate.
Archdall was married three times and had seven children. His eldest son, Charles Archdall, followed in his footsteps and became a member of parliament for Fermanagh.
Today, Archdall is remembered for his contributions to the improvement of rural communities in Ireland and for his dedication to philanthropy and public service. His estate, Archdall Estate, still stands and is considered one of the most beautiful properties in Fermanagh.
In addition to his advocacy for agricultural reform, Audley Archdall was also a strong supporter of education. He established a school in his estate to provide education to children from low-income families in the area. Archdall believed that education was the key to improving the lives of the poor and worked tirelessly to ensure that more children had access to quality education.
Archdall was also an avid collector of art and antiques. He had a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and other objects d'art which he displayed in his home. Archdall was particularly fond of Italian Renaissance art and had a number of notable works in his collection.
Despite his political and social standing, Archdall was known for his humility and generosity. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and was deeply respected by the people of Fermanagh for his kindness and compassion.
After his death, Archdall's estate was passed down to his family and remained in their possession for many years. Today, the estate has been converted into luxury apartments and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Ireland. Archdall's legacy continues to be celebrated in Fermanagh and he is remembered as a true champion of the people.
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Andy Kennedy
Andy Kennedy (September 1, 1897 Belfast-December 1, 1963) was an Irish personality.
He was a successful professional football player and played as a forward for Glenavon and Belfast Celtic. After retiring from football, Kennedy became a popular radio commentator, known for his colorful and engaging broadcasts. He was also an accomplished musician and songwriter, and composed the hit song "The Boys in Green." In addition to his artistic pursuits, Kennedy was heavily involved in Irish politics and was a member of the Irish Republican Army. Despite his controversial political views, Kennedy remained a beloved figure in Northern Ireland and was often referred to as "The Voice of the People."
Kennedy was born into a working-class family in Belfast and grew up playing football in the streets of his hometown. He began his professional career with Glenavon in 1915, where he quickly established himself as one of the team's top scorers. In 1925, he joined Belfast Celtic, where he won two Irish Cups and helped lead the team to the 1926-27 Irish League championship.
After retiring from football in 1931, Kennedy turned his attention to broadcasting and music. He became a regular commentator on the Belfast radio station, BBC Northern Ireland, and soon gained a reputation for his insightful analysis and entertaining style.
As a musician, Kennedy was equally successful. His song "The Boys in Green" became an instant hit and was adopted as the official anthem of the Irish national football team. He went on to record several albums of traditional Irish music and was a regular performer at local pubs and music venues.
Despite his popularity, Kennedy's involvement in the Irish Republican Army brought him under scrutiny from the British authorities. He was arrested several times and was forced to go into hiding for a period in the late 1950s. However, he continued to be an outspoken advocate for Irish independence and was revered by many as a hero of the Irish nationalist cause.
At the time of his death in 1963, Kennedy was widely mourned across Northern Ireland and beyond. He was remembered not only as a talented footballer, musician, and broadcaster, but also as a passionate campaigner for Irish unity and independence.
In addition to his other achievements, Andy Kennedy also had a successful career coaching football. He had a brief stint as player-manager for Distillery in 1931 before taking on lead coaching roles at Glentoran and Glenavon. He led Glentoran to two Irish Cups and guided Glenavon to the Irish League championship in the 1951-52 season. Kennedy's success as a coach cemented his position as one of the most respected and influential figures in Northern Irish football history. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Irish Football Association's Hall of Fame in 2011. Beyond his athletic and artistic accomplishments, Kennedy was also known for his philanthropy. He was actively involved in charitable causes, particularly those related to poverty alleviation and education in Northern Ireland. Throughout his life, Kennedy worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him and was remembered as a true champion of the people.
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William J. Butler
William J. Butler (April 5, 1860 Ireland-January 27, 1927 New York City) a.k.a. William Butler, W. J. Butler, W.J. Butler or W.J.Butler was an Irish actor and screenwriter. He had one child, Lawrence W. Butler.
Butler began his acting career on stage in Dublin, Ireland and later performed in various theatrical productions in London. He migrated to the United States in the late 1800s and in 1908, he made his debut in the silent film "The Fairylogue and Radio-Plays". Over the next few years, Butler starred in several silent films and appeared alongside actors like Mary Pickford and Lionel Barrymore.
Butler is best known for his work as a screenwriter. He wrote several screenplays in the 1910s and 1920s including "The Paymaster" (1919) and "Salome of the Tenements" (1925). However, his most successful screenplay was "The Covered Wagon" (1923), which was directed by James Cruze and became one of the highest-grossing films of the silent era.
Butler's son, Lawrence W. Butler, also went on to have a successful career in Hollywood as a sound engineer and won an Academy Award for Best Sound for the film "The Guns of Navarone" (1961).
Butler was also involved in the early days of the film industry, co-founding the Kalem Company in 1907. Kalem was one of the first American motion picture studios and produced many successful films during the silent era. Butler later worked for other studios such as Universal and MGM as a writer and story editor.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Butler was also a published author. His novels and short stories were well-received and showcased his talent for storytelling. Some of his notable works include "Dominie Dean: A Drama" (1896) and "Wings of the Morning" (1903).
Butler was known for his kind and generous nature, often helping fellow actors and writers in need. He was an active member of the Hollywood community and served as the President of the Screen Writers Guild from 1925 to 1926.
Butler passed away in New York City in 1927 at the age of 66. He left behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry and is remembered for his contributions to the art of storytelling both on stage and on screen.
Butler's contributions to the film industry were not limited to acting and screenwriting. He was also involved in the production side of films and served as a producer on several projects. In 1920, he produced and starred in "The Miracle Man", a hit film that was noted for its innovative use of special effects. Butler was also an advocate for better working conditions and fair pay for writers and actors in the film industry. He was a founding member of the Screen Writers Guild and played a key role in the organization's efforts to improve the status and treatment of writers in Hollywood. In recognition of his contributions, Butler was posthumously inducted into the Screen Writers Guild Hall of Fame in 1994.
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Tom Clancy
Tom Clancy (October 29, 1924 Carrick-on-Suir-November 7, 1990 Cork City) also known as Clancy, Tom was an Irish singer and actor.
Genres related to him: Folk music.
He died in stomach cancer.
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Kitty McShane
Kitty McShane (May 19, 1897 Dublin-March 24, 1964 London) also known as Kathleen McShane, Catherine McShane, McShane or Kathleen "Kitty" McShane was an Irish actor. Her child is Donald Daniel Towle.
Kitty McShane began her career as a musical comedy performer in the 1920s, touring extensively in the UK and America. She later transitioned to acting in films and television, and is perhaps best known for her role as Maureen Cotter in the TV series "The Grove Family." McShane also appeared in films such as "Lilli Marlene" and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and worked as a voice artist for radio productions. In addition to her professional work, she was also an active member of the Catholic Women's League and the Irish Literary Society. McShane passed away at the age of 66 in London.
During her career, Kitty McShane appeared in over 40 films and television series. She was versatile in her roles, playing everything from a damsel in distress to a conniving villainess. In addition to her work on screen, she also acted in several stage productions in both the UK and the US. Her stage credits include the musicals "Sally" and "The Street Singer".
McShane was known for her outspoken personality off-screen, and was not afraid to speak her mind when it came to politics and social issues. She was a member of the Labour Party, and campaigned for women's rights and workers' rights throughout her life.
In 1960, McShane was awarded an honorary degree from the National University of Ireland in recognition of her contributions to Irish culture. She continued to work in the entertainment industry up until her death in 1964.
Despite her success as an actress, Kitty McShane also faced several challenges throughout her career. She struggled with alcoholism, which affected her personal and professional life. McShane's financial situation was also unstable at times, and she was known to take on various odd jobs to make ends meet. Nevertheless, she remained committed to her craft and continued to pursue acting opportunities throughout her life.
In addition to her work as an actor, McShane was also an accomplished singer and musician. She often performed in music halls and cabarets, showcasing her versatility as a performer. McShane's talent as a singer was recognized by several prominent music critics, who praised her powerful voice and emotional performances.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, Kitty McShane's legacy as an actor and entertainer has endured. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and her dedication to promoting social and political activism have made her an important figure in Irish culture.
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Barry Raftery
Barry Raftery (August 16, 1944-August 22, 2010 Dublin) was an Irish archaeologist and author.
He was best known for his research on the Iron Age and Early Medieval period in Ireland. Raftery was a professor of Celtic archaeology at University College Dublin and authored numerous books on ancient Ireland, including "Pagan Celtic Ireland: The Enigma of the Irish Iron Age" and "The Irish Iron Age". He was also an active member of various archaeological associations and societies, both in Ireland and internationally. In addition to his academic work, Raftery also excavated several important archaeological sites in Ireland, including the Hill of Tara and Emain Macha. He dedicated his career to uncovering the ancient history of Ireland and his contributions to the field of archaeology continue to be recognized and celebrated today.
Raftery's work was instrumental in changing perceptions of the Irish Iron Age and Early Medieval period from being considered a "Dark Age" to one of a sophisticated and vibrant society. His research on the Hill of Tara challenged the widely held belief that it was the seat of high kings of Ireland, instead proposing it as a ritual and ceremonial center for the pre-Christian Irish. Raftery was also involved in the discovery and analysis of the Derrynaflan Hoard, a collection of early Christian metalwork found in County Tipperary in 1980.
In addition to his academic and archaeological work, Raftery was a well-respected mentor and colleague within the scholarly community. He served as president of the Royal Irish Academy from 2003-2006 and was awarded the prestigious St. Patrick's Day Medal by the Irish government in 2009. Raftery passed away in 2010 after a long battle with cancer, but his legacy endures through his groundbreaking research and contributions to the study of Irish archaeology.
His influential work also extended to the study of the early Irish church, where he explored the organization and development of early Christian communities in Ireland. Raftery's expertise in Celtic archaeology was highly sought after, leading him to act as a consultant on various historical films and documentaries. He also contributed to the development of archaeological exhibitions and museums in Ireland, including the National Museum of Ireland where his research is still referenced by scholars today. Raftery's impact on the field of Irish archaeology was recognized posthumously with the establishment of the Barry Raftery Memorial Lecture Series, an annual event that invites renowned archaeologists to speak on topics related to Celtic archaeology. Raftery's passion for uncovering Ireland's rich past remains an inspiration to scholars and enthusiasts alike.
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