CIARÁN MAC MATHÚNA was a great broadcaster and over a lifetime helped the population of Ireland realise the beauty, strength and value of their native cultural possessions, above all their musical culture, his friend Séamus Heaney said yesterday.
Paying tribute to the broadcaster at his funeral Mass in Terenure College, Heaney said MacMathúna belonged to history because he made a contribution to the nation’s sense of itself.
"But more particularly he belongs in our bodily homes, in the first circle of fond memory, in the seat of the affections where friends and family are linked together listening to Ceolta Tireor A Job of Journeyworkor Mo Cheol Thú," he told the huge congregation.
The poet said Mac Mathúna’s voice was one of the most intimate and least insistent voices ever but at the same time one of the most recognisable and authoritative.
“A man should praise a prince whom he holds dear/ And cherish his memory when that moment comes/ When he has to be convoyed from his bodily home,” he went on, quoting from his own translation of the Old English poem, Beowulf.
RTÉ director general Cathal Goan, who recalled being interviewed for his first job in the station by Ciarán, said he had created a new hearth for the Irish people who listened to his programmes.
He spoke of the broadcaster’s warmth and generosity, his impish humour, his formidable knowledge and passion for our country, who had delivered a wonderful legacy to the station through his collections.
Muiris Ó Rócháin, of the Willie Clancy Summer School, said Ciarán had introduced the musicians of Ireland to one another and the value of his work could never be overestimated.
Musicians, poets, artists and friends from all over the country and from abroad took part in the ceremony which began with Geraldine O'Grady playing The Lark in the Clear Airto welcome the congregation to the Mass where the chief celebrant was Mgr Tom Stack, of Milltown. He concelebrated the Mass with Fr Michael Troy, prior of Terenure College, Fr David Weakliam and Fr Chris O'Donnell, friends of the family.
Cór Chúil Aodha, under Peadar Ó Riada, led the singing of the Ó Riada hymns and traditional airs were played by some of Ireland’s best respected musicians, including uileann piper Liam Óg Ó Flynn, violinist Seán Keane and flautist Matt Molloy, who rendered a series of laments. As the coffin was carried from the church through the mourners, including the President and Taoiseach’s aides-de-camp, Capt Niamh O’Mahony and Comdt Michael Treacy, the choir sang the west Cork anthem, Mo Giolla Mear.
Later, in Mount Jerome Crematorium church, Maireád and Tríona Ní Dhómhnaill, Seán Potts and sean nós singer, Iarla Ó Lionáird, sang and played.
Mgr Stack told the chief mourners, Ciarán’s wife, Dolly Mac Mahon, sons Pádraic and Ciarán, daughter Deirdre, daughter-in-law Anne, son-in-law Terry, grandchildren Eoin, Colm, Conor and Liam, and brothers Tommy and Brian, it was fitting to part from Ciarán with such sweet music. He recalled the gift of his personality, his style and his gentleness and the sensitivity, hospitality and friendship he and his family had extended to all.