'She was a force of nature': Cork's cultural world pays tribute to 'one of a kind' Ronnie O’Shaughnessy

Ronnie O'Shaughnessy worked as the musical director with the Monfort College of Performing Arts for more than 20 years, as well as serving as the musical director for ‘Summer Revels’ and the pantomime at Cork Opera House.

Glowing tributes have been paid to one of Cork's most influential cultural figures, Ronnie O’Shaughnessy, who has died following a short illness.

Ms O’Shaughnessy, of Turner’s Cross, was heavily involved in the music scene across Leeside, having worked as the musical director with the Monfort College of Performing Arts for more than 20 years, as well as serving as the musical director for ‘Summer Revels’ and the pantomime at Cork Opera House.

Throughout her career, she also taught at the Munster Technological University (MTU) School of Music, performed with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and appeared in various productions including The Heiress, Nunsense, Our Town, and played Vera Charles in Mame.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for Cork Opera House said they were “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Ronnie". “She was a hugely important figure in the history of Cork Opera House,” the spokesperson said.

“As musical director of our panto for many, many years, she played a significant role in its success, the impact of which can still be seen today. She was a force of nature, a hugely admired and beloved member of the Cork Opera House extended family.

“Her legacy in Cork remains very strong. May She Rest in Peace."

A spokesperson for the Monforts Singers said Ms O’Shaughnessy was “renowned not only for her exceptional musical gifts, but also for her glamour, her razor-sharp wit, and her unforgettable personality”.

“Following only a short illness, her passing has come as a great shock,” the spokesperson said. “Right up to the very end, she continued to enjoy life, attending her bridge games regularly and faithfully meeting her Montfort ladies every Tuesday evening.

“Rest in peace, Ronnie. You truly were one of a kind.” 

Actress Rebecca Allman offered her “deepest sympathy to all of Ronnie's family at this sad time”.

“Not alone was Ronnie a fantastic musical director, but she was also an accomplished actress, and I was privileged to share the stage with her in a couple of plays in which she made each role her own,” said Ms Allman. “May she be joyfully reunited with family and fellow theatre friends in Heaven.” 

Gerard Canniffe, president of the Cork Bridge Club, said Ms O'Shaughnessy “decorated our lives with her rare jewel of a voice and continued to contribute to our cultured life to the present day”.

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“We also remember her many friends here in the bridge club with whom she shared the bridge table and was held in the highest regard,” said Mr Canniffe.

“Ronnie was more than just a master of the cards; she was a master of conversation, bringing grace, wisdom, and masterful strategy to the bridge table for decades. Rest in peace to an extraordinary talent and a true legend.” 

Ms O’Shaughnessy's Requiem Mass will take place at Christ King Church from 10.30am on Wednesday. This will be followed by her funeral at St Joseph's Cemetery on the Tory Top Road.