Latest news with #CoastalBeats
RTÉ News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Sea Sessions pauses as chief Ray O'Donoghue steps down
Ray O'Donoghue has formally stepped down from his role with the Donegal-based Sea Sessions Surf & Music Festival to dedicate himself full-time to supporting and developing Dublin's night-time culture. As he focuses full-time on his role as Dublin City Council's Night-Time Economy Advisor, the festival will take a break in 2025, with ongoing discussions about its potential return in a refreshed format in the future. Mr O'Donoghue, who joined Sea Sessions in 2010, played a central role in the event, which blended music, surf, sport, and beach culture in Bundoran. Reflecting on his decision, he said: "I've been promoting festivals and live events since 1999, from early gigs in Dublin to my first festival, Coastal Beats, on the west coast. "Sea Sessions has been a huge part of that journey, and I've loved seeing it grow into one of the country's best-loved festivals. But now, I feel the time is right to focus fully on my role with Dublin City Council. "Being Night-Time Economy Advisor is a big undertaking, and my experience running events has given me valuable insight. Dublin's night-time culture is evolving, and I'm excited to play a part in reimagining how the city comes alive after dark - with safer, more inclusive, accessible, and vibrant options for everyone." Sea Sessions has earned numerous accolades, including the IMRO Award for Best Festival, and regularly attracted up to 10,000 attendees per day. The festival has hosted acts such as Dermot Kennedy, Tinie Tempah, Primal Scream, Dizzee Rascal, Bastille, The Coronas, and Kodaline. The official statement from the organisers reads: "Sorry for being so quiet… Sea Sessions is taking a break in 2025. We hope to be back with more information soon." Mr O'Donoghue now leads Dublin City Council's efforts to develop a vibrant, safe, and inclusive night-time economy - driving pilot initiatives and long-term strategies that support cultural activity, improve access, and encourage new uses of public space and venues after 6pm.
The Irish Sun
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Tributes pour in for Dublin ‘music legend' and ‘most decent soul' Hugh Scully after his death following cancer battle
TRIBUTES have poured in for a "music legend" who has passed away after a short battle with cancer. Hugh Scully, from 2 Tributes have poured in for 'music legend' Hugh Scully Credit: Social Media Collect Irish DJ Nialler9 - Niall Byrne - said Hugh will be "sorely missed". Writing on social media, he said: "Hugh loved house music, always had a big smile for you when he greeted you and will be sorely missed. "His energy and enthusiasm was infectious. A Dublin music legend gone. "Condolences to Hugh's family and friends. RIP Hugh." Read more in Music Several friends and colleagues also posted tributes to Hugh on Dublin's 'Night Mayor' Ray O'Donoghue said: "A truly lovely man. A generous soul. A great partner in Coastal Beats, a brilliant DJ, and a friend for almost 30 years. "Every time we met, you lifted my spirits with that laugh and smile. "Hugh, you will be sorely missed. Rest well, my friend." Most read in Music Photographer Liz Stowe added: "Hugh Scully was the kindest, loveliest and most decent soul you could ever meet. "He was a constant and true friend. I will always remember him not only because he was a brilliant person but for his unwavering friendship to my brother. Hugh always checked in. Always tried to help. Never gave up on him. "He was the epitome of a decent human being. His gentle and generous soul forever shining through. That smile was infectious. 'WILL BE GREATLY MISSED' "I'm so sad. Thinking of his family and all who loved him. He will be greatly missed by so many. "If there's a heaven Hugh will be up there with the best of. He certainly earned his angel wings. Our family will remember Hugh for his gentleness and kindness." DJ, activist, and journalist Tonie Walsh posted: "Such sad news from Dublin that fellow DJ, Hugh Scully, has died after a bout of cancer. "We forged a particularly strong relationship while co-producing the Red Bull Music Academy in 2000, by which time we'd also been working together at Dublin's H.A.M. in PoD, one of the most beautiful clubs to have ever graced the capital. 'BRIGHT BALL OF ENERGY' "I loved his Disco Akimbo night with Andi Mackin and later his deep house night, Blue, with Muggy and Shay Hannon, both at The Kitchen. Their radio programme of the same name aired just after mine on pirate station, Power FM, throughout the late '90s. "So many lovely, life-affirming memories. Thank you, Hugh. "You were such a suave, dapper man and a bright ball of energy. Thinking of Claire, your family and your great circle of friends you've left behind in Ireland." DJ and chef Marcus O'Laoire also said: "Truly heartbroken today at the passing of my old friend Hugh Scully. 'A HERO TO ME' "I don't speak lightly when I say that Hugh's friendship and mentorship steered my life in ways that I'm not sure even he realised. "He was a hero to me in my twenties who grew into a friend and I will truly never forget him, his ease of life, his humour, his incredible knowledge of music and love for good times. "From talking records to driving around the country on activations to Coppa Cafe and beyond. The word legend doesn't come close. "Rest easy Scully." Former 2fm, Classic Hits and East Coast FM DJ Nikki Hayes said: "Gutted to learn of the passing of Hugh Scully. "I worked with himself and Shay in the early years of Spin1038, he was a true gentleman and I think we all had a crush on him at some stage. Huge loss." 2 He was remembered as a 'truly lovely man' Credit: Social Media Collect
