A Tribute to Eithne Healy
All of us at Wexford Festival Opera are deeply saddened by the passing of Eithne Healy.
Eithne was an incredible woman and a cherished member of the Wexford Festival Opera family. Eithne and her late husband Liam were a constant presence at Festival performances and events over many years. Her loss will be felt deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. Over many years, she was an unwavering supporter of the Festival, offering wise counsel and generous advocacy. Eithne's contribution, both to Wexford and to the wider cultural life of Ireland, was of exceptional significance.
We are very grateful to Paul Hennessy for writing a beautiful tribute honouring Eithne’s life and legacy. Paul is a past chair of Wexford Festival Trust and is the current chair of the National Opera House.
Our sympathies go to Eithne’s children, Orla, Ciara and Eoin, her grandchildren and to all who knew and loved her.
Eithne Healy - An appreciation by Paul Hennessy
There is a deep sense of sadness and loss in Wexford as we come to terms with news of Eithne’s passing. It’s a sadness that reflects the unique esteem in which she was held by everyone at Wexford Festival Opera. The loss is personal to every member of the Wexford team who had the pleasure of engaging with her over her many years as a supporter, advocate and champion of the Organisation.
Eithne and her late husband Liam were a constant presence at Festival performances and events, where they hosted an ever-increasing circle of friends. They were the best of company, renowned for their kindness, generosity and their candid insightfulness. Eithne’s observations were always incisive and encouraging, her criticisms delivered with typical charm and grace. We listened and we learned.
However, Eithne’s passion for theatre, music and the Arts reached far beyond Wexford and her service to the sector was absolute and exemplary. Having worked with the National Youth Theatre, she served on the boards of TEAM Theatre, and COTHÚ (the precursor to Business to Arts), became Chair of Opera Theatre Company, the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Abbey Theatre. She served as a member of the Arts Council and on the boards of the National Museum and Temple Bar Cultural Trust. Other Government appointments included the Government’s Millenium Committee and the Committee for the Centenary Celebration of James Joyce. It is a resumé of selfless giving to a sector she cared deeply about.
In each of her roles she tackled difficult problems, addressed significant challenges while commanding the respect of those she worked with. She left behind a record of quiet achievement and undoubted progress. In short, she made a difference wherever she went. Her stewardship in each instance was characterised by integrity, commitment and resilience. Her contribution to Theatre and the Arts in Ireland is, by any measure, one of singular importance.
When Liam agreed to Chair the Wexford Festival Foundation, to raise the private funding required for the construction of the National Opera House, he and Eithne became major donors. Their home in Foxrock quickly became “Mission Control” for the work of the Foundation. It was here that ideas were discussed and debated, plots hatched and strategies developed that led to the procurement of the private funding that enabled the dream of the National Opera House become a reality.
In recognition of their exceptional support and friendship Eithne and Liam were made Life Friends of Wexford Festival Opera in 2013.
When the work of the Foundation ceased following the construction of the Opera House, Eithne’s support continued unabated. She became a member of the Festival’s new fundraising arm, the National Development Council where she served with her usual singular focus and selfless dedication. Her ambition, as always, to pave the way for the continued success of an Organisation she loved.
Liam’s death in 2015 was a devastating blow for Eithne. Nonetheless, she maintained her presence at Festival events attending with family and her many friends. She never ceased to enjoy the unique Festival buzz in the town, catching up with her Wexford friends, hearing about the latest developments and challenges as well as picking up the odd snatch of Festival gossip. She loved being in the Opera House, where she was always warmly welcomed and held in the highest regard by the entire Wexford Team. Her presence, observations and feedback remained as compelling as ever. We will miss her very much.
Eithne’s passing will be deeply mourned by her loving family, Orla, Ciara and Eoin and her beloved grandchildren; by her many friends in the world of theatre, music and the Arts and throughout the entire “Wexford Festival Family” where she will be fondly remembered with gratitude and affection.
This year marks Wexford’s 75th Anniversary. The achievements of those years owe a great deal to the unflinching support of Friends like Eithne and Liam Healy. A friendship that we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate.