Dorn san Aer do Rónán!
A community unites in mourning today to honour the vibrant life of broadcaster Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí.
Rónán, one of Irish radio’s greatest personalities, passed away on Tuesday, aged 53.
The funeral for Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí takes place this morning at St. Mary’s Church Derrybeg, at 11am.
The cortège will depart Rónán’s homeplace of Cois Cláidigh at 10.30am, passing Teach Hiúdaí Beag, Raidió na Gaeltachta and on to Teach Pobail Mhuire for Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s, with interment afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery.
A special two hour broadcast on Raidió na Gaeltachta last night remembered the passion and spirit of Rónán and his life’s work promoting the Irish language and Irish music.
Born in Cork, Rónán was brought up in Donegal and attended primary and secondary school in Gweedore.
Rónán’s extensive portfolio ranged across shows on RTÉ, TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta, most recently Rónán Beo. Through his work, he developed a social and entertainment scene for the Irish language with events such as An Ciorcal Craiceáilte (1990’s) and An Cabaret Craiceáilte.
Earlier this year, he was honoured with the ‘Gradam Ghlór na nGael’ at the National Glór na nGael Awards and also the Conradh na Gaeilge Gradam an Uachtaráin (President’s Award).
Rónán had been undergoing treatment for cancer for the past four years. His friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry had rallied around him in his battle, and a star-studded fundraising gig took place in April to send support and warm wishes to Rónán and his family.
He is survived by his wife Bernie and their daughter Fionnuala.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.
