Well-known broadcaster and journalist Sean Mac Réamoinn has died.The former controller of programmes for RTE radio, Mr Mac Reamoinn was well known for his interest in Catholic affairs, in particular the Second Vatican Council, and for his enthusiastic promotion of the Irish language
Mr Mac Réamoinn who was 85, died on Wednesday in St Vincent's Hospital after a long illness.
In a career with RTE which spanned 30 years, Mr Mac Réamoinn presented a number of programmes on both radio and television in both Irish and English, and reported extensively for the station on the Vatican Council in the 1960s.
He joined Radio Éireann in 1947 and was also a member of the RTE Authority for three years until 1976.
Tributes poured in yesterday for the veteran broadcaster.
The current director of RTE Radio, Adrian Moynes, said Mr Mac Réamoinn was a renaissance man who was an authority on many issues.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said Mr Mac Réamoinn was a provocative voice who made a huge contribution to Irish culture generally and particularly to the promotion and development of the Irish language.
In a tribute, Cumann Merriman said the late Mr Mac Réamoinn had been a founder member of the Merriman School and a life member of Cumann Merriman.
Born in Birmingham on November 27th, 1921, the son of James Redmond from Boolavogue, Co Wexford and Wilhelmina née Bruen of Sligo, his parents soon returned to Ireland and he was educated in Dublin; in Clonmel, where he was taught by the Christian Brothers; and at Coláiste Iognáid, under the Jesuits, in Galway.
He became involved in theatre at An Taibhdhearc, where his contemporaries included Siobhán McKenna, who went on to international acclaim.
He joined Radio Éireann, in 1947, where he soon took a particular interest in Irish folklore and music, touring Ireland with the legendary folklorist and traditional musician Séamus Ennis for outside broadcasts.
He also became involved in the Irish-language journal, Comhar and he helped with the production of Irish music and song for Gael Linn.
He was also heavily involved with Cumann Merriman and played an active part in the Merriman Summer School and the Merriman Winter School. He was multilingual, speaking Irish, English, Welsh, French and Italian and was robed as a bard at the national Eisteddfod in Caernarvon in 1979. He also received an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland.
Seán Mac Réamoinn is survived by his wife Patricia, daughters Seona and Laoise and son Brian.
His funeral will take place after 11am Mass tomorrow, Saturday, in the Church of the Holy Cross, Dundrum.