Born in Cork City, Seán Ó'Riada was one of the country's most influential figures in the revival of traditional Irish music in the 1960s.

He was Assistant Music Director at Radio Éireann between 1954 and 1955, and was Music Director at the Abbey Theatre from 1955 to 1962. He lectured in music at University College Cork from 1963 until his death in 1971.

A brilliant composer, arguably Ó'Riada's most famous achievement was the formation of the groundbreaking traditional Irish group, Ceoltóirí Chualainn.

Ó Riada wrote a number of original compositions which incorporated modern compositional techniques. These include a series of orchestral works given the Greek title Nomos, written between 1957 and 1966; the pastoral elegy, The Banks of Sullane (1956); and Four Hölderlin Songs (1956). He also wrote music for several films, including Mise Éire and Saoirse.

He died in 1971 after a short illness.

From those in the community in which he lived, to his wife and children, this documentary is an insight into a fascinating man from those who knew him best.

Producer: Pat Feeley

'Documentary on One - The home of Irish radio documentaries - The largest library of documentary podcasts available anywhere. We tell stories in sound, mostly Irish stories, with each documentary telling its own story'