Death of highly-accomplished Mayo radio broadcaster

THE death has occurred of Seán Ó hÉalaí, a popular and highly accomplished former broadcaster with Raidió Na Gaeltachta. He was aged 79.

Mr. Ó hÉalaí, a native of Achill, joined the Irish language station in the 1980s. In the latter years of his broadcasting career, he was based in Castlebar.

Paying tribute, Gearóid MacDonnachda, acting ceannaire at Raidió Na Gaeltachta, described him as “a great ambassador for the Gaelic speaking communities in Mayo."

“He was very proud of his Mayo roots,” Mr. MacDonnachda continued. “He gave great service to this station.”

Sean is survived by his wife Finóla, Rathbawn, Castlebar, sons Fionán and Ruairí, daughter Tríona Blake, sister Ann O'Donnell, grandchildren Rían, Aislinn and Liam, son-in-law Donal, daughters-in-law Erika and Maria and nephews, nieces, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandnieces and nephews, his many relatives, friends and former colleagues at Radio na Gaeltachta.

Prior to taking up employment with Raidió Na Gaeltachta, Mr. Ó hÉalaí worked with the National Manpower Service in Castlebar in the 1970s, having previously worked as an area organiser with Conradh Na Gaeilge.

In a tribute, Marian Uí Mháille, Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Contae Mhaigh Eo, said: “Is cúis mhór bhróin dúinn a chur in iúl duit gur cailleadh ár gcara, an tUasal Seán Ó hÉalaí maidin inniu.

“Ba bhall gníomhach de Chonradh na Gaeilge é agus fear a raibh cáil i bhfad is i bhfairsing air de bharr a bheith ina láithreoir ar Raidió na Gaeltachta.

“Tá na socruithe sochraide fós le fógairt. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

His remains are reposing at Coady's Funeral Home, Linenhall Street, Castlebar, this evening (Tuesday) from 5 p.m. with removal at 7pm to Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar.

Requiem Mass takes place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday with burial afterwards in Polranny Cemetary, Achill Sound.