CARA O’SULLIVAN 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.
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 Munster’s 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, O’Sullivan’s ‘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.
“She was a great character to have about the place. There was an energy about her, that’s what she brought and then when she’d sing, quite literally she could lift the roof off Thomond Park.
“When we’d have a dress rehearsal two-three hours before a game, the stadium would be empty but the acoustics were unbelievable and she would lift the roof.”
On top of lending her talent and support to Munster’s choir, many also fondly recall her following the team itself on epic European away days. Even when the singing pipes lay quiet, people who came into contact with her recall a palpable positivity around her.
“She was a great supporter of Munster. She grew up on the Lough, which is in the shadow of Musgrave Park. So she would have had that exposure, a stone’s throw away. She was a great representative of her city, her province and her country,” Lynch adds.
“She’ll be up in heaven, not in the choir, but leading it.”
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Very sad news. Loved his analysis. He always spoke his mind and wasn’t afraid to do so.
RIP always loved his honest analysis
Really saddened to hear of the death of Jerry Kiernan. He was star of the Irish road racing and cross country back in the 1980/90s. He ran in many Ballycotton 10 road races in Cork. He may still hold the course record. His 9th place in LA Olympics Marathon in 84 was often overlooked as John Treacy got bronze in the race . Jerry in recent years gave great insight as an analyst on RTE at various athletic championships. RIP Jerry
@Diarmuid #STAYATHOME: Gary Staines has the record 3 seconds faster @ 47:00 flat.
He was great and a philosopher of the sport
He will be sadly missed
@Diarmuid #STAYATHOME: John Treacy got silver
Very sad to hear, I enjoyed his analysis, great insight for a fair weather athletics fan like myself.
Very sad. Was a teacher of mine in primary school. Very inspiring and fun spirited. Made learning a joy and regularly incorporated sport. And lunch time he used hurl small bean bags at us. Being the best bean bag catcher was a respected title! RIP.
@Dublin Slagger: lol didn’t teach me English! *at **use to
@Dublin Slagger: Used to…
@Dublin Slagger: God, I love when ye gob5h1tes make mistakes yereselves. Thanks for brightening my day.
That’s very sad. Could listen to his analysis all day – one of the best analysts RTE has ever had in any sport.
He was a lovely man had a great chat with him one day in offaly at the all Ireland u17 campionships a pure gent. Rip
Sad to hear this. It was a memorable night watching himself and John Tracy in L.A. He done us proud.
@Seymour business: remember that night well staying up & watching one of the great moments of Irish Olympic history. Jimmy Magee got very excited when Jerry Kiernan joined the leading group with a few miles to go. RIP Jerry
God rest his soul. Loved his frank and honest assessments. He will be sorely missed.
Condolences to his family and friends.
RIP Jerry .loved the Athletics on RTe and his no holds barred punditry.
Ran against him in 82 marathon .Naturally he beat me by a few hours.Super athlete.
Always controversial in his attitude to athletics funding or lack of it compared to other National Sports etc.
A great coach and will be missed by many.
@John Kenny: I remember him bursting down Glasnevin Avenue in 1982 out on his own in what I think was about 14 miles- legend
He taught me in 1st class in school and was a very kind man. One time after he completed in the states he brought back baseball caps for the whole class. Being the mid 80′s this was a huge novelty and a very fond memory from my childhood. RIP
He was a fantastic athlete and analyst. Very sorry to hear of his death. My condolences to all his family. May he Rest In Peace.⚘
i remember getting his autograph when i was young and shouting for him in 84 marathon, a good runner and great on tv rip gerry,
Very sad. RIP
Ah no, the dunphy, giles of athletics , loved his commentary analysis. And he was some runner too. Rip
Very sad to hear this news. I spoke to him at St Patrick’s 5k in Dublin 2009. Very down to earth. May he Rest in Peace.
Very sad to hear of Jerry’s passing Great sporting hero and Great pundit. RIP
RIP Gerry. Great man to show up to races and great to give the in depth analysis on the TV.
He was a wonderful analyst. RIP
RIP he was old school and yet his punditry was brilliant
shocked to hear this news. RIP Jerry.
R.I.P Jerry Kiernan. A brilliant athlete coach and analyist. Saw him in action many times
Very sad news, gone far too soon.
Very young to die, especially for a person who would have been so fit. RIP Jerry, gone way too soon.
That’s sad. He was always a knowledgeable and engaging speaker on the athletics coverage. Seemed like a nice chap. RIP.
RIP. However, as per the article he one some cross country meet? Can’t imagine an ex-teacher would be happy with such sloppy work.
Rip Jerry. A great man and gentleman. He was my primary school teacher in St Brigids Foxrock in the ,80,s.