Fans and public figures pay tribute to late trad singer Séamus Begley

Fans and public figures are paying tribute to late trad singer, Séamus Begley, who has died aged 73. 

The legend known as "The Bold Kerryman" was regarded as one of Ireland's finest accordion players, having played the instrument since he was a boy. 

During his long successful career he collaborated with artists including Australian guitarist Steve Cooney, as well as Irish singers Damien Dempsey and Mary Black. 

Commenting following the news of his death, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said, "Séamus Begley was loved throughout Ireland and in particular his beloved west Kerry. He was one of the most accomplished accordion players we have ever seen. He was a gifted story teller and remained close to his Gaeltacht roots. 

"Renowned for his versatility, Séamus had an ability to collaborate with musicians who had no background in traditional Irish music. In doing so he helped to put our culture on the world stage. My sincere condolences to his wife Mary and his children. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam." 

Musician Mike Scott also commented, stating, "The finest of all Irish musicians, and perhaps the most beautiful singer I've ever heard, the great Séamus Ó Beaglaoich, known in the other tongue as Seamus Begley, has passed away. He was a friend, a king and a god. Travel on well, great spirit." 

In a post on Twitter, The Wolfe Tones offered their "sincere condolences" to Séamus' family and friends. 

Comedian Pat Shortt also commented through his Twitter page, stating, "So sad to hear Seamus Begley has passed. A great musician but an incredible character that brought so much joy to everyone through Irish music It was pure craic being in his company. Rip Seamus and condolences to his family and extended Trad family." 

Journalist JJ O'Donoghue said he was "very sad" to hear about Séamus' death and reminisced about attending one of his gigs in the 1990s. 

Very sad to hear abt the death of Séamus Begley. One of the best ever trad gigs I was ever at was Cooney+Begley at The Lobby in the late '90s. What a gig! (@monicamc2006 has the exact date and price of the gig in her lovely book abt The Lobby). https://t.co/0c1JN37DDa

— JJ O'Donoghue (@jj_nodonoghue) January 10, 2023

Irish language pop band Seo Linn commented to say: "RIP Séamus Ó Beaglaoich. An-bhrónach é seo a chloisteáil. Cailliúint ollmhór é. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí air. Ag cuimhniú anois ar chairde agus ar chlann Shéamuis. Very sad to hear. A massive loss. Thinking of Séamus' friends and family." 

Other fans expressed their love for the musician on Twitter: 

Our hearts are broken tonight @teadamusic following the loss of our great friend & comrade Séamus Begley, who has toured with us the last ten years. He had audiences all over the world in the palm of his hand. I'll miss you Séamus https://t.co/zFbAao0SsC

— Tristan Rosenstock (@TRosenstock) January 10, 2023

Very sad to hear of the passing of Seamus Begley this evening. I had the honour of listening to him and his brother in Brendan’s home a couple of years ago. An experience that will stay with me for a lifetime. A beautiful man to be in the company of. Ar dheis Dé go riabh a anam. pic.twitter.com/GF9rRFLLcR

— Phill Doyle Photo (@philldoylephoto) January 9, 2023

So sad to hear that the giant of traditional culture Seamus Begley has left us today. This was him singing to us from his tractor cab at one of Cormac's gigs in a gort in 2021. The heavens have gained a master tonight. pic.twitter.com/ewrGiKh3Tu

— Berniann De Condúin (@BerCondon) January 9, 2023

So sad to hear of the passing of Seamus Begley. Had the pleasure of swapping a few stories and jokes with the man in a pub on Lesson Street many moons ago. A gentleman. And a phenomenal musician. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis. pic.twitter.com/a4RDG7kQbW

— Dublin By Pub (@dublinbypub) January 9, 2023

One of Ireland’s most highly regarded traditional musicians, Séamus Begley has died.

— Ronan Gargan (@ronangnews) January 9, 2023

RIP. Really sorry to hear about the passing Of Seamus Begley. he is one of the funniest lunatics I was ever lucky enough to have had the honor of jamming/hanging out with.. you’ll be missed ... thanks Seamus pic.twitter.com/Ddn2xwaXPw

— Paddy Casey (@PaddyCaseyMusic) January 10, 2023

RIP Seamus .. he could sing and play for the ages. A major loss to us and a gain to the celestial session #seamusbegley

— Brian Lally (@Brian_Lally) January 9, 2023

RIP Seamus Begley, you will be so sorely missed. It was always such a pleasure to hear you singing, playing, or just having the craic… whether here in the states or home in Kerry. A giant of the trad music scene and a real diamond of a man - there’ll never be another like you. https://t.co/iEjL0Mshfe

— Holly Wiel (@HollyWiel) January 9, 2023

First time I was Seamus Begley live was with Steve Cooney in the Friar's Féile in the Sanctuary in Ennis in '93.

30 years ago now - but those nights at a great festival will never grow old. Everyone loved Begley & Cooney 'faoi lán seoil' in County Clare. pic.twitter.com/Ypq8s0MEtq

— Joe Ó Muirċeartaiġ (@muirioch) January 10, 2023

Image: TG4 video still