Soprano Cara Osullivan Is Fondly Remembered In Rugby Circles
CARA OSULLIVAN GRACED some of the finest stages the world has to offer, but the notes she hit on a patch of grass in Limerick leave a lasting resonance with rugby fans.
The superstar soprano died yesterday at the age of 59 after being diagnosed with an aggressive early onset dementia in 2018.
Cara O’Sullivan at Irish charity To Russia with Love’s gala evening in the National Concert Hall. Source: Mark Stedman/Photocall Ireland
Her death brought a flood of tributes from corners of society that do not always intertwine. Remembered for her vocal fireworks in opera circles, there were recollections among Munster rugby fans yesterday too owing to her memorable renditions of Stand Up and Fight before big-match kick-offs at Thomond Park.
Among her performances of that rousing war cry, was prior to Munsters 2008 near-miss against the All Blacks. A day that marked an on-field debut for the Munster Rugby Supporters Choir.
For MRSC chairman Jim Lynch, OSullivans vocal fireworks were merely one part of her contribution.
She was a great supporter of the choir, particularly when it was being set up she gave us great time, Lynch told The42 today.
She was a great supporter in that she was always really up for it if we asked her to join us for anything. She was never the type to stand on airs and graces. She would talk to people and encourage them and help people where she could.
How Do You Find The Move From Recital And Oratorio Performance To Opera And Do You Have A Preference
I spent the first number of years singing only recital and oratorio, the transition into opera was very gradual. My first opera role was The Queen of Night from Mozarts Die Zauberflöte. My first love though is oratorio. My teacher Robert Beare instilled that love in me. My favourite oratorios are Mendelssohns Elijah, and Brittens War Requiem.
Following Your Recent Successful Appearance In Gounods Faust In Cork Are There Further Operatic Productions On The Immediate Horizon
No operatic productions at the moment, but I am for the first time, performing Richard Strausss Four Last Songs with the Hibernian Orchestra, conducted by John Finucane in The National Concert Hall On Wednesday 10th June. Im also performing Verdis Requiem in University Concert Hall Limerick with Limerick Choral Union on Saturday 25th April.
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Opera Star Cara Osullivans Faith Consoled Her During Fight With Illness
Opera star Cara OSullivan, who died recently aged 58, has been described as a deeply committed Catholic, which consoled her during her illness, according to her family friend, Canon Jim ODonovan.
Fr ODonovan, who officiated Ms OSullivans funeral, told The Irish Catholic that she drew comfort from her faith during her struggle with dementia.
She was a deeply committed Catholic and her Faith was very important to her, he said. It was a great consolation to her at the time of her illness.
Fr ODonovan added that she will be remembered for her talent and a voice of splendour and beauty.
She was a very talented operatic singer, he said. She performed all over the place. She came from small beginnings when you look at it. She was a colossus of a lady, she had a big, kind heart and a voice of splendour and beauty.
Rte’s Ryan Tubridy Pays Emotional Tribute Following Sad Death Of Soprano Cara O’sullivan
The Cork native and opera great sadly passed away following a diagnosis of early onset dementia in 2018. Ryan described Cara as “earthy” and “just pure fun”
Ryan Tubridy paid an emotional tribute to soprano singer Cara O’Sullivan on his radio show on Wednesday morning.
The iconic Cork singer sadly passed away yesterday following a diagnosis of early onset dementia in 2018.
“I do want to pass on my condolences to the family of Cara O’Sullivan. I didn’t know she had early onset dementia and she passed away yesterday in Marymount Hospice in Cork at the age of 59,” Ryan told his radio listeners.
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How Do You Ground Yourself Against The Stresses Of Being A Performer
I try to keep everything on an even keel, I think it helps to avoid the highs and lows that are very much a part of a performers life. I avoid after-performance parties and look forward to a bit of silent time after concerts. However, I am always happy to meet an audience after a concert, because without their support there would be no career or opportunities to sing new repertoire.
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The RTE presenter said he only met Cara on occasion but shared fond memories he had of her, describing the star as “pure fun.”
“I met Cara very rarely, maybe twice or three times. I was always struck by, the word I would use is earthy – she was a very earthy person, no airs or graces just pure fun,”Ryan said.
“I often laugh when I think about someone who sings so beautifully, and in an other-worldly fashion, and you meet them and they’re just craic, nice people who just happen to have this gift.”
Ryan then sent his best wishes to Cara’s family, acknowledging that the Covid-19 pandemic and Level 5 restrictions make it even harder to grieve the passing of a loved one.
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“But we’re thinking of you this morning.
“Cara O’Sullivan – who passed away in a very untimely fashion yesterday, a desperately sad story to read about and listen to.”
Tributes Paid As Irish Opera Great Cara Osullivan Dies After Long Illness
Soprano diagnosed with early onset dementia
TRIBUTES have been paid to Cara O’Sullivan, one of Ireland’s greatest opera singers, who has died after a long illness.
Ms O’Sullivan was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2018 and the illness brought a premature end to a glittering career which had seen the Cork coloratura soprano star at the Paris Opera, the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.
She was diagnosed with the degenerative condition three years ago – having survived a cancer diagnosis when she was just 34-years-old.
The singer is understood to have passed away at Marymount Hospice on Tuesday afternoon.
Her cancer was discovered at an early stage thanks to an eagle-eyed beautician who queried an unusual swelling on the opera singer’s thigh as she went for a leg waxing.
Ms O’Sullivan decided to get it checked by a doctor having initially thought it was only cellulite. She made a full recover and became a lifelong campaigner for the Irish Cancer Society.
Her early onset dementia was diagnosed three years ago after she noted something was “a little bit off” with her memory.
She completed her final public performance at Christmas 2018 – after the soprano had insisted on completing every singing engagement she had committed to.
Ms O’Sullivan’s daughter, Christine, said the diagnosis came as “a huge shock” to the family.
The singer was famed for her support of charitable events – and her sense of humour.
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Carbohydrate Restriction As A Protective Mechanism
A key aspect of the ketogenic diet is carbohydrate restriction. The role of decreased carbohydrates in neuroprotection has been investigated through the use of 2-deoxy-d-glucose , a glucose analog that is not metabolized by glycolysis. found that administration of 2-DG to adult rats at a nontoxic dose for 7 consecutive days produced dramatic protection against hippocampal damage and functional neurological deficits induced by the seizure-inducing excitotoxin kainate. In addition, 2-DG was protective against glutamate-induced and oxidative stress-induced neuronal death in cell culture. The authors also found that reduced glucose availability induces stress proteins, including GRP78 and HSP70, which they proposed act to suppress ROS production, stabilize intracellular calcium, and maintain mitochondrial function.
Cherished Cork Soprano Cara O’sullivan Passes Away
‘A lady with a voice of vocal splendour, she possessed the most secure and compelling soprano voice of that Ireland has ever produced’
Cork’s beloved soprano singer Cara O’Sullivan has passed away aged 59.
Tributes have been flooding in for the opera singer who has been described as having the ‘most secure and compelling soprano voice that Ireland has ever produced’.
Cara, originally from the Lough area, had been battling early onset dementia over the last number of years.
Her spine-tingling voice has been heard on big stages all over the world including Sydney’s Opera House, Paris, Nantes, The National Concert Hall, The Gaiety, and St Patrick’s Cathedral as well as with the RTE Concert Orchestra.
The mum’s hugely successful career led to her receiving the Cork Culture Award in 2019 from then-Lord Mayor Mick Finn.
That year the National Concert Hall hosted a series of events celebrating her.
Among the tributes pouring in was local city cllr Ken O’Flynn who said she will be “sorely missed” by all around the world.
Cllr Ken O’Flynn said: “I have just learned of the passing of Cara O’Sulivan Cork Soprano.
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“A lady with a voice of vocal splendour, she possessed the most secure and compelling soprano voice that Ireland has ever produced.
“She will be sorely missed in the world of Irish opera, heaven’s choir has Gained a wonderful Dramatic, coloratura soprano.
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Tributes Paid To Irish Soprano Cara O’sullivan
12:35
Arts and Media Correspondent
Tributes have been paid to the soprano Cara O’Sullivan, who has died at the age of 59.
Cork-born Ms O’Sullivan was diagnosed with early-onset dementia in 2018. She died at Marymount Hospice in Cork on Tuesday evening.
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Taoiseach Micheál Martin said she had a beautiful voice, and the warmest personality and that Cork was very proud of her legacy.
Ms O’Sullivan studied at the Cork School of Music and was one of the best known Irish singers of her generation.
She won the Young Musician of the Future award in 1990 and went on to have a successful career both in Ireland and internationally but always returned to her Cork base.
A warm and passionate performer, she was hugely popular with audiences and highly respected by her fellow musicians.
Her career was cut short in 2018 when she was diagnosed with early-onset dementia.
Concerts were organised in her honour in Cork and Dublin and in 2019 she received the inaugural Cork Culture Award.
Ms O’Sullivan is survived by her daughter, Christine.
An online Book of Condolence has been opened by the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Joe Kavanagh, at: www.corkcity.ie.
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Tributes Paid To Beloved Opera Singer Cara Osullivan On Her Death At 59
The immensely popular and talented Irish soprano Cara OSullivan has died at the age of 59.
OSullivan was diagnosed with early-onset dementia just three years ago.
The Cork woman, who studied at the Cork School of Music, was recognised as being an international star and one of the finest singers of her generation.
She won the Young Musician of the Future award in 1990 but despite playing around the world she never strayed too far from her beloved Cork.
So sad to hear of the passing of Cara OSullivan. A beautiful voice and the kindest person. We will never forget the emotional energy she created before our games Until you hear that bell, that final bell,
Stand up and fight like hell!
Donncha OCallaghan
While the soprano singer previously performed at the Paris Opera, the Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House she was also a regular at Thomond Park singing to the crowds before Munster games.
TV presenter and former Munster rugby player Donncha OCallaghan wrote: So sad to hear of the passing of Cara OSullivan. A beautiful voice and the kindest person. We will never forget the emotional energy she created before our games Until you hear that bell, that final bell, Stand up and fight like hell! RIP Cara.
His former teammate Ronan OGara also paid tribute writing: Rest In Peace. You will be dearly missed. Voice of an angel.
Fortunately, Cara decided to get it checked by a doctor having initially thought it was only cellulite.
Celebrated Singer Retired In 2018 After Being Diagnosed With Early Onset Dementia
Tributes have been paid to the internationally acclaimed Cork-born soprano Cara OSullivan, who died on Tuesday aged 58.
Tributes have been paid to the internationally acclaimed Cork-born soprano Cara OSullivan, who has died aged 58.
OSullivan, who retired from singing in 2018 after being diagnosed with early onset dementia, died at Marymount University Hospice on Tuesday with her family at her bedside.
A graduate of the Cork School of Music, OSullivan performed all over the world including at the Paris Opera, Sydney Opera House and Londons Royal Albert Hall.
She achieved her first major role in 1996 when, with preparation from internationally renowned Australian soprano Joan Sutherland, she performed as Donna Anna in Don Giovanni with the Welsh National Opera..
In 1997 and 1998, OSullivan, who grew up near the Lough on Corks southside, starred as the Queen of the Night in the Opera North performances of The Magic Flute.
She won great acclaim globally for her performances as Donna Anna and Fiordiligi in Così Fan Tutte, while she also performed arias from La Traviata, Handels Messiah, Mendelssohns Elijah and Verdis Requiem.
An early review in The Irish Times from her performance at an Opera Gala in the National Concert Hall in 1996 noted the vibrancy and clarity that were to become the hallmarks of her performances.
Warmest personality
Supreme professional
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Cork Soprano Had Enormous Talent And A Big And Generous Heart Canon Jim Odonovan
The remains of Cara OSullivan are brought from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Lough, in Cork, following her funeral. Photograph: Michael Mac Sweeney/ Provision
Renowned soprano Cara OSullivan who died this week at the age of 58 was a treasured daughter of Cork who will be remembered as much for her generosity to charities as her glittering talent and career, her funeral Mass heard.
Canon Jim ODonovan told mourners at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in the Lough in Cork on Friday that the mother of one was a colossus of a lady.
He said she had a very warm personality, enormous talent and was blessed with a very special voice of beauty and splendour which brought much happiness and delight to so many people. She had a big and generous heart.
She had performed in churches, school halls, parish halls, and theatres in addition to prestigious venues such as Sydney Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall in London, he said.
And of course on the green sod of our major sporting stadium. Not forgetting as well the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff … and her special grá and love for Thomond Park, the home of Munster Rugby, which was so dear to her heart.
Canon ODonovan said this sentiment also summed up the last years of her life when all of Caras stamina was needed to fight like hell.
Show of support
When she was diagnosed, Ms OSullivan was honoured with three fundraising concerts which assisted in the cost of her care.
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As He Grows Worryingly Frail Richard O’sullivan’s Former Co
You’d be forgiven for thinking that dating one of the country’s biggest heartthrobs at the height of his success would be a passport to excitement and riches.
Candlelit dinners-a-deux at the best restaurants in town, romantic holidays in far-off climes, evading the paparazzi and beating jealous female fans off with a stick come with the territory, right?
Well, no, says actress Sally Thomsett ruefully – it’s more like quiet nights in and TV dinners. And she should know.
For three years, in the Seventies, Sally dated fellow actor Richard O’Sullivan, at the time the star of Man About The House and an idol to millions of women.
Frail: Richard O’Sullivan pops out from his nursing home to buy a newspaper earlier this week
With his bouffant hair, boyish good looks and a cheeky twinkle in his eye, in many ways Richard was the Seventies. Dressed in a uniform of tight jeans and shirts left open to reveal a hairy chest, you could almost smell the Denim aftershave.
But if Sally expected such a romance to be full of wild excitement, she was very much mistaken.
‘I was with Richard for three years,’ she says. ‘But we never said: “See you at eight outside the cinema.” We used to stay in and watch TV. The two of us rarely went out together.’
The pair met on the set of Man About The House, Britain’s number one sitcom at the time, about a man living with two female flatmates.
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