Laois town mourns sad passing of local musician

Laois locals have expressed their condolences with the Finn family of Rathdowney, following the sad passing of musician Seán Finn.

Seàn Finn of Conoboro road, Rathdowney, passed away peacefully on May 7 in the presence of those he loved.

The Rathdowney man was known to many for his natural flair for music, along with his kind words and gentle smiles.

Seán was the proud father of Eoin, Ciarán, Conor and Hugh, and is remembered with love by his wife Mary.

His creativity and musical ear was passed on to his children, with Seán's sons Ciarán and Hugh known nationally for their folk music band The Finns.

The pair posted a touching tribute to their father on Facebook.

Seán will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by Rathdowney locals, and the wider Laois community.

Tributes have poured in from across the county, remembering Seán as a kind and talented man.

In his RIP.ie Book of Condolences, Seán has been described as 'a pure gentleman' who had 'great time for everyone and trad music'.

"You could not meet a nicer man," one user wrote.

"He had a smile and a word for everyone he met. His love of trad music was second to none," another tribute read.

"Seán was a gift to those around him," another person expressed.

See Seán's death notice below.

Seán Finn, Conoboro Rd. Rathdowney, Co. Laois, May 7th. 2025, peacefully in the presence of those he loved.

A man with a great love of all aspects of Irish cultural heritage particularly Irish music. Predeceased by his parents Martin and Margaret.

Sadly missed and remembered with love his wife Mary, sons Eoin and his partner Caroline, Ciaràn and his partner Iwona, Conor and his wife Kasia and Hugh and his partner Ela, grandchildren Holly, Hugo and Matthew Seàn, sisters Lucy and Dolores, brother Martin, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of lifelong friends. Rest in Peace.

Reposing at his residence Conoboro Rd. Rathdowney (Eircode R32 X7P1) on Friday evening May 9th. from 4 o'clock pausing for prayers at 7 o'clock. Removal on Saturday morning May 10th. to the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Rathdowney arriving for Requiem Mass at 11 o'clock. Interment afterwards in Bealady Cemetery.

Family flowers only please. Donations if desired to the Alzheimer's Society Ireland. Seán's funeral Mass can be viewed by pressing the following link https://parishwebsites.ie/rathdowney/

The Finn family would like to take this opportunity to thank most sincerely the management, nurses and staff at the Sacred Heart nursing home Crosspatrick for their professionalism in caring for Seán.