Sean O Se, the celebrated Irish singer known for his definitive rendition of An Poc Ar Buile, has died aged 89 — just days before his 90th birthday. The Cork-born traditional voice and former school principal passed away leaving a profound legacy in Irish music and education.
- Age: 89, died three days before his 90th birthday
- Known as: ‘de Pucker’ / ‘An Pocar’ for An Poc Ar Buile (1962)
- Born: Ballylickey, near Bantry, County Cork
- Career: Member of Ceoltóirí Chualann; toured with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
- Family: Predeceased by wife Eileen; survived by children Áine, Con and Íde
Born in Ballylickey near Bantry, Sean grew up a native Gaeilge speaker and did not speak English until he was six. He trained at Coláiste Íosagáin, Ballyvourney and St Patrick’s College, Dublin, then taught in Wicklow and Cork before becoming principal of St Mary’s on the Hill in Knocknaheeny, Cork City.
The Legacy
Sean O Se’s career bridged the classroom and the concert stage. His top achievements include:
- An Poc Ar Buile (1962) — the performance that earned him the enduring nicknames ‘de Pucker’ and ‘An Pocar’.
- Key member of Seán Ó Riada’s Ceoltóirí Chualann, a group that reshaped modern Irish traditional music and paved the way for bands such as The Chieftains.
- International ambassador for Irish tradition through tours with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and a lifetime commitment to teaching and cultural preservation.
Beyond recordings and concert halls, Sean was celebrated as a storyteller and a guardian of the seanchaí tradition — blending warm humour, Irish language fluency and a deep sense of place in West Cork.
Social Reactions
Tributes poured in across Cork and the wider Irish music community. Cork TD Ken O’Flynn remembered Sean as “far more than a gifted singer,” praising his role as a teacher, storyteller and steward of heritage. Mad for Trad called him “one of Cork’s great cultural voices,” highlighting his role in carrying West Cork’s voice to global audiences.
Social posts captured the local affection for Sean: the public recalled seeing him around Balinlough and Douglas and fondly referenced his nicknames; others described him as a gentleman and a uniquely gifted singer. Messages offered condolences to his children — Áine, Con and Íde — and celebrated a life devoted to music, language and education. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
If you have a memory or tribute to share, communities in Cork and Irish traditional music groups are collecting messages to mark his life and influence.
Image Referance: https://www.thesun.ie/tvandshowbiz/16379984/irish-sean-o-se-death-singer-birthday-tributes-cork/