Tributes were paid yesterday to one of Ireland's leading theatre and event designers, Rupert Murray, who has died aged 55.
The award-winning freelance lighting designer and producer had over 150 design credits to his name around the world. His work is currently featured in shows running in Ireland, Japan and the US.
Among his major projects have been Riverdance, the St Patrick's Festival in Dublin and the Special Olympics opening ceremony in Croke Park in 2003.
Born in England, Mr Murray started his career in the Project Arts Centre, Dublin where he was involved in over 40 productions. Since then his work has been seen in all of Ireland's major theatres as well as internationally.
As a producer, he co-ordinated the 1991 Beckett Festival in Dublin and produced a series of independent theatre productions between 1992 and 1996.
From 1996 to 2000, he was festival director of the St Patrick's Festival in Dublin.
In June 2003, he was creative director of the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics. He had been appointed creative director of the events and ceremonies associated with Ireland's hosting of the Ryder Cup next month.
One of his closest friends was Michael Colgan, director of the Gate Theatre in Dublin where Mr Murray had been involved since 1984 with over 130 productions.
Yesterday Mr Colgan said: "Rupert didn't always get the credit he deserved for his great work. He was very self-effacing, especially over the Special Olympics."
He said Mr Murray was the kindest of men. "You always felt better when you met him, he was the best of fun. He was a terrific, wonderful human being. He was the consummate professional. We all feel bereft."
Director of the Abbey Theatre Fiach MacConghail said: "Rupert was a personal friend and a valuable colleague and I will miss him greatly.
"His considerable contribution as a lighting designer and producer of Irish culture impacted across Ireland, Europe and America.
"Rupert had a 20-year association with the Abbey Theatre and in that time both staff and theatre designers all benefited from his talent as an artist. The Abbey Theatre is a lonely space today."
Minister for the Arts John O'Donoghue said: "Rupert Murray has been one Ireland's leading and prominent theatre artists over the last 30 years. His creativity in lighting design has been seen by thousands of people across Ireland, across Europe and on Broadway. Irish theatre will be poorer for his passing."
Mr Murray has given his body to TCD for medical research. Next Wednesday there will be a spiritual farewell ceremony in TCD, in accordance with his wishes.
He is survived by his wife Shelagh Power and daughter Rachel, who is in her 20s.