THE late Seán Ó Sé, who passed away on Tuesday, has been described as a ‘legend in every way’, writes Kieran O’Mahony.

The entertainer, most famous for his hit single An Poc Ar Buile died just days short of his 90th birthday.

He was born in South Terrace in Cork city but grew up in Laharn near Ballylickey Bridge and attended Coláiste Íosagáin in Ballyvourney for his secondary education.

Seán came to nationwide prominence in 1962 when he recorded the world-famous song An Poc ar Buile which became a un likely nationwide hit, while he was synonymous with his renditions of The Banks of my own lovely Lee.

He featured regularly on RTÉ, recorded several albums and performed both at home and abroad helping to blaze a new trail for Irish traditional music and song.

In 2004, he contributed to The Langer Song by Natural Gas and helped translated an Irish verse which was written in English by Tim O’Riordan from Aherla.

Seán trained to be a teacher and spent some time working in the boys primary school at Warner Lane in Bandon.

He became principal of St Mary’s on the hill National School in Knocknaheeny in Cork city, and retired in 1993.

He wrote his memoir with Patricia Ahern in 2015 where he spoke about his shy childhood in West Cork. He said this shyness in later years spurred him on to sing and when he did he said he really came out himself.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said Seán was an ‘iconic figure in Irish education, culture and traditional music who had an extraordinary impact on Irish music and song.

‘Seán was a good friend. He had a very happy and sunny demeanour. He leaves an outstanding legacy. He will be deeply mourned on Leeside and indeed across the country.’

Seán is survived by his two daughters, Áine and Íde and son Con and his funeral will take place in Bantry on Friday following requiem mass in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Ballinlough in Cork city.