Memorial Event for Renowned Musician and Folklorist Prof Mick Moloney held at UL

Prof Mick Moloney was Adjunct Professor at Irish World Academy, and a loyal long-time friend.

The memorial event featured musical performances and personal stories by family, friends, and colleagues of the well-loved Professor

By I Love Limerick correspondent Stella Gordon

The Irish World Academy, University of Limerick and the family of Professor Mick Moloney held a unique memorial event in his honour at the Irish World Academy on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

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Mick Moloney was Professor of Music at New York University and Adjunct Professor at the Irish World Academy, University of Limerick.

This memorial event featured musical performances and personal stories by family, friends, and colleagues of the well-loved professor of music, to celebrate his life and legacy. Originally from Castletroy, Limerick, Mick had a long-standing relationship with the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick.

“Mick has played a central role in the imagination, imbedding and development of traditional music programmes at the University of Limerick since the inception of the Irish World Music Centre in 1994. His expertise and knowledge has enhanced everything from undergraduate to PhD studies and he instinctively understood the role that excellence in performance could play in academia.  Not only has he brought his academic research and experience to bear on the University, he also brought a unique perspectives from his distinctive performance flair and practice,” said Dr Niall Keegan, Course Director of the BA Irish Music and MA Irish Traditional Music Performance at the University of Limerick.

“It is our great honour to welcome Mick’s family, friends and colleagues to this memorial gathering at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, UL. Mick was one of the Academy’s longest and most loyal friends. He was particularly influential in the development of the Academy’s traditional music programmes and his relationship with the Academy embraced many roles including consultant, external examiner and adjunct professor. Mick’s passion for Irish traditional music was only rivalled by his commitment to global justice and equality, and we are privileged to be part of this marking of an extraordinary life,” said Professor Helen Phelan, Director of the Irish World Academy.

Prof Mick Moloney left a long-lasting legacy. He co-founded the Green Fields of America, a group of Irish musicians who toured the States, and still perform today. He was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in folklore and folklife in 1992. In addition to being a musician and an academic, Mick Moloney had an outstanding compassion and understanding of people. In his later years, he spent a lot of his time volunteering in Bangkok, Thailand as a music therapist for children battling HIV. Prof Mick Moloney sadly passed away on July 27, 2022, but his life, works, music, soul and legacy will forever lie within the hearts of the Limerick people, and countless people worldwide.

The emotional memorial event was enjoyed and appreciated by many, including members of his family and lifelong admirers. Eve Telford, Folk Singer commented on Facebook, “It was a wonderful evening. Thanks to all involved.”

Find out more information about Prof Mick Moloney 

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