- The week is framed as a week of two halves: unbridled joy over Mayo’s historic win giving way to unvarnished grief after the death of Glen Hansard.
- Oliver Callan described the mood as an outpouring of mania after Mayo’s win, saying “the whole country willed them to do it.”
- Katie Hannon, co-presenter of Drivetime, said the atmosphere in Croke Park at the final whistle was unlike anything she had felt before: “I have never ever, ever, ever felt what was in the stadium at the final whistle yesterday.”
- Hansard’s passing dominated Wednesday’s edition of Arena, with host Rick O’Shea inviting guests to reflect on the singer’s life and music.
- Fellow musicians remembered Hansard’s support: Maria Doyle Kennedy recalled his instinct for community and support, Lisa O’Neill said “He believed in younger musicians,” and Mundy recalled his Christmas Eve busking for Dublin Simon Community.
- Sports psychologist Stephen McIvor said Kerry’s status as favourites helped Mayo because “it’s always the advantage to be the underdog.”
- Mundy said he had been crying all day, while Hansard’s 2008 Oscar conclusion was “Make art,” a call repeatedly aired after his passing.
The week began with a historic celebration for Mayo, marking its first All-Ireland title since 1951, but it took a tragic turn with the death of Glen Hansard, the acclaimed Dublin musician, in a motorcycle accident.1234
“I’ve been crying all day,” said singer Mundy, reflecting the profound loss felt across the nation.89101314
Hansard, known for his Academy Award-winning song “Falling Slowly,” was celebrated not only for his music but also for his community spirit and support for emerging artists.
“He believed in younger musicians,” noted singer Lisa O’Neill, highlighting Hansard’s commitment to nurturing talent.
The contrast between the week’s joy and sorrow was palpable, with sports psychologist Stephen McIvor suggesting that Mayo’s underdog status contributed to their victory, freeing them from pressure.1112
As tributes poured in, including heartfelt memories from fellow artists, the nation mourned a figure who had inspired many.
“Make art,” Hansard urged during his 2008 Academy Award acceptance speech, a call to action that resonates even more deeply in the wake of his untimely passing.
“On Wednesday's Arena, Rick O'Shea invited guests to reflect on Hansard's life and music; Maria Doyle Kennedy cited his instinct for community, and Lisa O'Neill said, "He believed in younger musicians." Mundy recalled Hansard's annual Christmas Eve busking for Dublin Simon Community and his 2008 Oscar call to "Make art."”
