Tributes to an exceptional filmmaker

Tributes have been paid to filmmaker and conservationist Éamon de Buitléar, who has died aged 83.

President of NUI Galway, Jim Browne, described the wildlife expert and environmentalist as an outstanding figure of modern Ireland.

Dr Browne said: “An exceptional filmmaker, a committed environmentalist, a public intellectual, author, musician and member of Seanad Éireann — he was a man of many parts and a man whose contribution to Irish society has enriched the lives of many generations.

“Most of us can recall Éamon’s passion for the Irish environment, brought to life through his books and television programmes.

“His enduring legacy will be a sense of respect for the landscape and heritage of Ireland, along with a joyful enthusiasm for the culture and traditions of our nation.”

Mr de Buitléar donated his multimedia, bilingual archive to NUI Galway last year. Dr Browne said the university was proud to have been entrusted with holding in trust a lifetime’s work for the nation and for generations of scholars.

Mr de Buitléar died at his home in Delgany, Co Wicklow.

He had a long association with Seán Ó Riada through his love of traditional music.

President Michael D Higgins said he was deeply saddened to learn of Mr de Buitléar’s death.

President Higgins said several generations of Irish people are indebted to him for their knowledge and understanding of our national heritage.

“He will be remembered as an outstanding broadcaster in both languages,” he said.

“A great communicator, his warm and engaging personality, as well as his enthusiasm and knowledge touched people of all ages. He will also be remembered as an accomplished musician.”

Mr Higgins said Mr de Buitléar’s archive donation was immensely generous.

“Éamon will be hugely missed by all those who had the good fortune to know him,” he said.

“I would like to extend my sympathies to his wife Lailli, their five children, their wider family, and many friends.”

Arts and Heritage Minister Jimmy Deenihan described Mr de Buitléar as a pioneer.

“Éamon was a wildlife conservationist and environmentalist at a time when these concepts were in their infancy in Ireland,” said MR Deenihan. “He introduced us all to ideas which, thanks to his vision, have now become mainstream.”