After hearing only a handful of songs, Ó Riada made a spur-of-the-moment decision which sparked a seven-year musical collaboration with Ó Sé and a close personal friendship. Séan Ó Sé and Cór Cúil Aodha performing at Shane MacGowan's funeral in Nenagh in 2023. Ó Sé, who credited his vocal training by St Fin Barre’s Cathedral organist John T Horne for extending his range to two octaves, recalled Ó Riada’s remarks upon his successful audition. Meeting the President at the Ó Riada sa Gaiety Concert, March 1969, (l–r): Seán Ó Riada, Seán Ó Sé, Niall Toibín, President Éamon de Valera, Ruth Ó Riada and Breandán Ó Buachalla. Seán Ó Sé, January 1936 - January 2026.

Source: Irish Examiner January 14, 2026 19:27 UTC