Dr John O’Keeffe launches new book on Seán and Peadar O’Riada

DR JOHN O’Keeffe, the son of Ina and the late Vincent O’Keeffe of Portmagee village, is Director of Sacred Music at St.Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and Director of Choral Groups at Maynooth University. John is the author of a recently published book entitled, The Masses of Seán and Peadar O’Riada: Exploration in Vernacular Chant, which is published by Cork Univerity Press.

Seán Ó Riada (1 August 1931 – 3 October 1971), was a Cork-born composer and arranger of Irish traditional music. Through his incorporation of modern and traditional techniques, he became the single most influential figure in the revival of Irish traditional music during the 1960s.

Ó Riada’s career began as a music director at Radio Éireann from 1954, after which he worked at the Abbey Theatre from 1955 to 1962.

He lectured in music at University College, Cork, from 1963 until his death in 1971. He became a household name in Ireland through his participation in Ceoltóirí Chualainn, compositions, writings and broadcasts.

He became particularly famous for his film scores Mise Éire (1959) and Saoirse (1960). He left a lasting influence as founder and director of the ensemble Ceoltóirí Chualann (from 1961). O’Riada was responsible for liturgical texts being first made available through the medium of the Irish language.

John O’Keeffe’s book was launched recently at a concert held in St.Patrick’s College, Maynooth. In his introduction, Professor Michael Mullaney, President of St Patrick’s College, stated that John wished to dedicate the concert to the late Dingle native and Professor of Irish at Maynooth College, an tAthair Pádraig O’Fiannachta.

Seán O’Riada’s son Peadar, in company with Cór Chuil Aodha and the Cork singer, Seán O’Sé, performed at the concert.

ABOVE: Séan Ó Riada RIGHT: Book cover BELOW: Dr John O’Keeffe