TRIBUTES HAVE been paid to Fachtna Ó Hannracháin, founder of RTÉ’s first orchestra, who has died, aged 89.
Mr Ó Hannracháin founded the Radio Light Orchestra, which became the RTÉ concert orchestra, and also played a major role in the establishment and development of the symphony orchestra.
He also served for many years as RTÉ’s representative on the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
He died unexpectedly on Wednesday, 10 weeks after the death of his wife Gertie, a musician and teacher, to whom he had been married for 63 years.
A native of Skibbereen, Co Cork, Mr Ó Hannracháin was the eldest of six children of writer and poet Peadar Ó Hannracháin. Two of his sisters, Neasa Uí Bhrian and the late Bláthnaid Reynolds, both worked in RTÉ.
He moved to Dublin when he won a scholarship to Coláiste Caoimhín and then did teacher training at St Pat’s.
Mr Ó Hannracháin studied at night for a degree in music and for a degree in law and started in RTÉ in the legal affairs department. He served first as RTÉ’s head of music and then moved to become its head of legal affairs.
Former director general of RTÉ Bob Collins said he played a very decisive role in the orchestral and musical development of the station from its early days.
“He had a crucially important role in developing the orchestras at a time when there was very little funding and he was a very significant part of what are two well regarded European orchestras by any standard.”
Mr Collins added: “What is frequently forgotten is his role as head of legal affairs in dealing with music publishers and his very significant role in the development of policy and legislation in the European Broadcasting Union.
“He was extremely well regarded for his role in the EBU’s development.”
Mr Ó Hannracháin’s daughter Orla Mhic Athlaoich spoke yesterday of his work for the orchestras.
“He travelled with Michael McNamara, head of the then Municipal School of Music, to recruit musicians from behind the then Iron Curtain and they did everything on a shoestring.”
For his work with the EBU, he learned and spoke a number of languages including French, Italian and German.
Ms Mhic Athlaoich said her parents took up hill walking in their 60s when they retired. “They were very close and did everything together.”
She said her father was heartbroken at his wife’s death. Only days before his own death, he said: “I feel the finger is pointing at me.”
Mr Ó Hannracháin is survived by his sister Neasa, daughters Blathnáid and Orla, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His removal is tomorrow to the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Merrion Road, Dublin, arriving at 5pm. His funeral will be held on on Monday after 10.45am Mass to Glasnevin crematorium.
