Mourners gather to say farewell to Manchán Magan
There was a huge turn out at Gonzaga College Chapel in Dublin yesterday (Monday, October 6) for the funeral service of Manchán Magan.
The documentary maker and public speaker died last Thursday at the age of 55. He inspired many people to engage with our native language, the natural landscape and our environment.
Manchán's wife Aisling, his mother Cróine, his brothers Ríoch and Ruán, sister Líadain, extended family, and friends were the chief mourners.
Celebrant Fr Tom Casey said all who attended were “one family drawn together in love and remembrance” for a man who was “a gatherer of light”.
Music played a central role in the service, musicians including Rónán Ó Snodaigh, Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Lisa O'Neill, Colm Mac Con Iomaire and Glen Hansard adding to the remarkably moving ceremony.
Manchán's deep affinity with the Irish language was evident as many of the contributors made bilingual addresses to the congregation.
The gifts carried to the altar reflected the life of an adventurer: they included his childhood toy safari truck, three of his dictionaries, sandals and a backpack, his garden implements, honey, his computer mouse, his favourite chair, his hat, and a drum gifted to him from a South American tribe.
In an unusual departure from the traditional Mass of the Resurrection, one of the readings at the service was from Manchán's book '32 Words for Field'; another was a chant and dance that alluded to the mischievous nature of the adventurer.
Ruán thanked all who aided his brother in the final month of his life, and the outpouring of affection the family received since his death. He spoke of the descriptions of his sibling, from a global inspiration to a druid. He concluded by saying: "You've shown us the path, it is for us to walk on it.”
Manchán's wife Aisling Rogerson, who he married in St James's Hospital in recent weeks, described her husband as “one of the most unique people I will ever meet”.
“He was a Donnybrook boy, but he had broken the mould. He was someone who was so connected to his culture, his heritage and his Irishness. But he had such open arms for the world,” she said.
The mourners were each given a seed from trees from Manchán's Westmeath home to plant across the country.
Mourners included Steve Wall, Harrison Gardener, Niall Breslin, JJ Ó Dochartaigh of Kneecap, Dave Fanning, and Minister for Rural Affairs and the Gaeltacht Dara Callery. President Michael D Higgins was represented by his Aide-de-Camp Commandant Deirdre Newell, and Labour leader Ivana Bacik was also in attendance.
A scattering of ashes and celebration of land and spirit will take place at the Hill of Uisneach on Saturday 1 November.