Ireland lost dozens of well-known figures in 2025, including poet Michael Longley (85), singer Linda Nolan (65), boxer John Cooney (28, died after a ring injury), and F1 team owner Eddie Jordan (76). Across politics, sport, the arts and broadcasting, the year was marked by high-profile deaths that prompted an outpouring of national grief.
- Fast Facts: Dozens of public figures from January to December 2025.
- Notable names include Michael Longley (poet), Linda Nolan (The Nolans), Eddie Jordan (Formula One team owner).
- Deaths spanned arts, sport, politics, religion and activism.
- High-profile causes reported: natural causes, accidents and a ring injury that led to the death of boxer John Cooney.
- Tributes came from broadcasters, political leaders, sporting bodies and a grieving public.
Month-by-month highlights
January
The year began with the loss of Irish language activist Pádraig Ó Snodaigh (89) and cognitive neuroscientist Eleanor Maguire (54). Pop singer Linda Nolan (65), of The Nolans, died on 15 January — the group sold some 30 million records worldwide. Poet Michael Longley, a towering voice in Irish literature, died on 23 January aged 85.
February
February saw the deaths of former Dublin goalkeeper and manager Paddy Cullen (80), boxer John Cooney (28) after a brain injury during a professional bout, and respected figures from politics and broadcasting including Eddie Wade (76) and Henry Kelly (78).
March
March took Pat Ingoldsby (82), beloved for his poetry and broadcasting, and former F1 team owner and broadcaster Eddie Jordan (76), whose impact was felt across motorsport and media.
April–June
Spring and early summer brought the deaths of GAA legend Mick O’Dwyer (88), Eurovision star Clodagh Rodgers (78), and Lord Henry Mountcharles (74), the driving force behind Slane Castle’s concert legacy.
July–September
Among July’s losses were humanitarian Brother Kevin Crowley (90) and trailblazing athlete Maeve Kyle (96). September included Grammy-winning producer Nicky Ryan (79) and Oscar-winning make-up artist Michèle Burke (75).
October–December
Autumn and winter saw the passing of broadcaster Ed Moloney (77), writer and documentary-maker Manchán Magan (55), and respected figures across politics and design, including Paul Costelloe (80) and former minister Pat Cooney (94).
The legacy
Three emblematic legacies from 2025:
- Michael Longley — A poet whose 13 collections and decades of influence shaped modern Irish verse and inspired generations of readers and writers.
- Linda Nolan (The Nolans) — Part of the first Irish act to sell more than a million records; the group’s pop hits reached global audiences and defined family pop success in the 1970s–80s.
- Eddie Jordan — Built an Irish home in global motorsport: F1 team owner, entrepreneur and broadcaster who brought attention to Ireland on the world racing stage.
Social proof: public reaction and tributes
The deaths prompted widespread tributes. National broadcasters marked moments of silence, sporting organisations issued statements of condolence, and social media trended with memories and clips of careers and performances. Political leaders and peers offered condolences, while fans and local communities shared personal stories that highlighted each figure’s local and national impact.
In a year of many farewells, the collective response underscored how deeply these public figures had shaped culture, sport and public life in Ireland. Their work — from poetry and pop music to public service and grassroots charity — will continue to be cited, studied and celebrated.
If you want to explore the full month-by-month list and original reports, archived coverage and tributes remain available from national outlets and broadcasters.
Image Referance: https://www.thejournal.ie/well-known-irish-people-deaths-2025-6885103-Dec2025/