Taoiseach ‘deeply saddened’ by death of Irish author Manchán Magan
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Taoiseach ‘deeply saddened’ by death of Irish author Manchán Magan

AUTHOR Manchán Magan has died at the age of 55 following a battle with cancer.

The Dublin-born writer, documentary-maker and Irish language advocate was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023.

In an interview for RTE earlier this year the writer revealed that his condition had worsened, and that he did not have much time left.

“For some reason, there hasn't been much despair, there hasn't been much 'Why me? Why me?' I don't know why. There's a lot of pain, even despite all the Oxycodone or whatever painkillers I'm on," he told o Brendan O’Connor on RTÉ Radio 1.

"Mostly, I'm focused on thinking, 'Jesus, there's books, there's films, there's things I want to do.' Well, I can't do very much of that from a hospital bed, but there's a surprising amount I can get done,” he added.

Writer, documentary-maker and Irish language advocate Manchán Magan has died aged 55 following a battle with prostate cancer (Pic: Rolling News)

Mangan’s family confirmed today that he died in Dublin last night (October 2).

Tributes have flooded in since his death, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin saying he was “deeply saddened” by the news.

“Manchán was a passionate advocate for our language and culture, whose work illuminated the richness of Ireland’s landscape, history and heritage,” he said.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said Manchan’s death was a “huge loss to Irish life and culture”.

“Manchán saw the world in a unique way and that made it so fascinating to see it through his eyes,” he added.

“His love of the Irish language drew so many people to his brilliant expression of its poetry.”

Funeral details have yet to be confirmed.