Mayor of Clare Cllr. Pat Daly has expressed his profound sadness over the death of well-known local singer Robbie McMahon, who died in the early hours of Thursday morning (13th December 2012).
Best known for his rendition of the well-known ballad ‘Spancil Hill’, the traditional singer Robbie McMahon has been described by Mayor Daly as “a true icon of Irish folk culture and one of the most celebrated Clare men.”
He acknowledged Mr. McMahon’s role in preserving traditional songs and for creating new ballads down through the years.
Mayor Daly explained: “Robbie McMahon was one of the pioneering figures who helped to reinvigorate Irish folk songs. In doing so, Robbie helped to preserve a central feature of Irish culture and also kept alive the traditions and stories of old. His unique rendition of Spancil Hill and extraordinary performances as a traditional artist in his own right rightly earned him international acclaim. Clare County Council was delighted to award Robbie a Civic Reception in October 2010 in recognition of his contribution to the traditional arts.”
“The considerable involvement of local people of all ages in the many traditional music festivals that take place each year throughout County Clare is evidence of a flourishing Irish traditional music scene here. This is the ultimate tribute to Robbie who has contributed so valuably to the promotion of traditional music in this County down through the years.
“I was especially delighted to see that Robbie was alive to see the recent production of a documentary on his life, entitled ‘Last Night As I Lay Dreaming’, which was produced by Comhaltas Ceoltóirà Eireann with funding from the Arts Office of Clare County Council through its traditional music initiative. This documentary will hopefully serve to inspire others to become involved in the traditional music scene in the years ahead.
“I wish to extend my sympathies to Robbie’s wife Maura, his four children and his wide network of friends throughout Ireland and further afield,” the Mayor concluded.
Best known for his rendition of the well-known ballad ‘Spancil Hill’, the traditional singer Robbie McMahon has been described by Mayor Daly as “a true icon of Irish folk culture and one of the most celebrated Clare men.”
He acknowledged Mr. McMahon’s role in preserving traditional songs and for creating new ballads down through the years.
Mayor Daly explained: “Robbie McMahon was one of the pioneering figures who helped to reinvigorate Irish folk songs. In doing so, Robbie helped to preserve a central feature of Irish culture and also kept alive the traditions and stories of old. His unique rendition of Spancil Hill and extraordinary performances as a traditional artist in his own right rightly earned him international acclaim. Clare County Council was delighted to award Robbie a Civic Reception in October 2010 in recognition of his contribution to the traditional arts.”
“The considerable involvement of local people of all ages in the many traditional music festivals that take place each year throughout County Clare is evidence of a flourishing Irish traditional music scene here. This is the ultimate tribute to Robbie who has contributed so valuably to the promotion of traditional music in this County down through the years.
“I was especially delighted to see that Robbie was alive to see the recent production of a documentary on his life, entitled ‘Last Night As I Lay Dreaming’, which was produced by Comhaltas Ceoltóirà Eireann with funding from the Arts Office of Clare County Council through its traditional music initiative. This documentary will hopefully serve to inspire others to become involved in the traditional music scene in the years ahead.
“I wish to extend my sympathies to Robbie’s wife Maura, his four children and his wide network of friends throughout Ireland and further afield,” the Mayor concluded.
