Ann Patricia FULLER
(née Mahon)

Deepest condolences to Ann’s family and all that knew her. I will never forget what a tremendous mentor and supporter Ann was for me early on in my career, as she was to so many other pianists. I always looked forward to seeing her on her periodic visits to New York, along with her signature wit and vivacity. May she rest in peace as her musical legacy lives on.

What a pity Ann is no longer with us. She would so much have enjoyed the wonderful and heartfelt tributes to her here. They would have confirmed what she always knew - that she was special. That might have given rise to a certain degree of haughtiness that gave her authority and command without ever tipping over into arrogance.

I first met her in Washington DC in 1988 and played a small part in arranging a concert there for Philippe Cassard after the first competition. Our paths crossed again in the entirely different context of Shannon Industrial Estate in 1990 after I had moved from DFA to GPA and had the pleasure of liaising with her regarding GPA's sponsorship activities.

She was a delight to deal with, to use a terrible cliché - always solutions focused, never mired by problems, always breezy and forwrd looking.

Contact was more intermittent until the past few years when the practice reasserted itself of incorporating a visit to Sandymount into the itinerary of my forays to Dublin from Clare. It was indeed sad to watch the clouds gather and grow more dark over her health. So much better to recall the energy and vitality of earlier times.

An inelegant phrase to sum her up: she was a man of a woman!

Rest in peace dear Ann. I will forever be grateful for having you in my life and will never forget your generosity, love and incomparable energy. You gave so much to so many and your legacy, as well as your sprit, shall remain eternal. Love and light, Fiachra

Goodbye Ann. It was a privilege to know you and count you as a friend. You will be much missed.

It is with great sadness I learned of the death of Ann. I knew she has been in bad health for some time and I hope now she is at peace. Ann will be greatly missed by all of us in the Dublin International Piano Competition community.As one of the founding members she has left a wonderful legacy with her vision, drive and commitment since its inception in 1988. To her family and friends I send my condolences and leave her with the assurance that the work will go on.
May she rest in peace.

Riposa in pace carissima Ann❤️
Always enjoyed the work I did preparing lunches or dinners for the jury during mum’s busy days of the Piano Competition.

I am so sad to hear of Ann’s death. My memories go back to our happy Leeson Street days. And her generous hospitality over the years. She was always interesting and full of fun and laughter. My sincere sympathy to all her family.

Ann was unique - an embracing, larger-than-life character who will be very greatly missed.

My first encounter with her was when she offered me one of my very first recitals, in the Dublin Adult Institute of Education in early 1982. The opportunity, and her energy, were amongst the initial spurs for my career.

Then I met her again at the time when the Dublin International Piano Competition was created - initially pre-DIPC in Leeds, and London (1987/88) and then of course at the very first DIPC in 1988. It was unbelievable what a task she and the other 3 founders, John, Laurie and Ida, had set themselves, and the excitement around those early years of the event was special and unforgettable.

I had many great chats with Ann over the years, which mostly centred on pianists, piano competitions and tennis. Tennis we always got to, as we were both massive fans of the world's top players. But the chats about pianists were always serious and sympathetic, where her huge motivation to do the very best she could for all the outstanding competitors (not just the winners of first prize) shone out like a light.

What a wonderful contribution she made to Irish musical life.

She will live forever in our memory. Rest in Peace, Ann!

Sincere condolences to Ann's family and friends. I have fond memories of the early days of the Dublin Piano Competition and the joy and laughter that Ann brought to every aspect, along with fantastic organisational skills. She was an inspiring presence in the music world. May she rest in peace.

We were very sad to hear of Ann’’s passing. She was remarkable lady, she will remain warmly in our thoughts.

Remembering Ann brings a smile to my face. She was a good friend to me and wonderful company. Mischievous & fun; loud & opinionated and always interested & interesting. I have many fond memories of her wonderful hospitality in Clifden and Sandymount. Sending my sincere condolences to Ann's family and friends.

Ann’s energy lit up every room. Her warmth made everyone feel seen and heard. She had a rare gift for bringing people together — whether in the arts or in life more broadly — always offering guidance with kindness, wisdom, and her characteristic no-nonsense pragmatism.

Her fiery spirit and strong intellect inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. We feel so fortunate to have spent many Sundays enjoying her delicious lamb roasts and her incredible, infectious laugh. Her home in Clifden was always filled with friends, great food and wonderful conversation.

Ann’s legacy will live on in the many lives she touched and the young artists she supported in bringing beauty to many. Sending our deepest condolences to David, Paul, Liza, Mary, and all her many friends and colleagues. Ann will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

I’m deeply sorry to hear of Ann’s passing. Although we saw each other less often than I would have liked since moving abroad, I was — and always will be — struck by her warmth, her spirit, and the unmistakable sense that she was a force to be reckoned with. She left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Thinking of all the family at this difficult time and sending my heartfelt condolences.

— Neal

Ann was an extraordinary person whose professionalism, vision, and drive have left an unforgettable legacy on the Irish classical music world, especially through her work with the DIPC. A formidable lady in all of the greatest ways, I will never forget her support and kindness to me as a young pianist. She will be hugely missed by everyone that knew and loved her. My deepest sympathies to her family and closest friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Deepest condolences.

Ann possessed a rare intellect,
sharp wit, and an engaging spirit that enlivened every conversation.
I will miss our long talks about art and fashion at family get togethers.
May the light of Ann’s mind and the warmth of Ann’s humour continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Rest in peace.

Deepest sympathy to Anne‘s family: her nephews David and Paul, her stepdaughter Liza and sister-in-law Mary. Her large circle of friends also mourne her loss. I am lucky to have been one of them and spent many happy hours in her company, both professionally and socially.
Ann was a tireless advocate for the Arts in Ireland, a powerhouse of energy and enthusiasm, her death leaves an indelible legacy on Ireland’s cultural life.

Laurie Cearr & Myles McWeeney

To David and all Ann’s family, so sorry to hear the sad news of Ann’s passing.
Our thoughts are with you all. R.I.P Ann

Ann had the most extraordinary ability to encourage, recognise, love, and maybe even push people towards their unknown potential . She gathered people under her wide inclusive wings, nurtured them unobtrusively, soothed their way and let them fly like fledglings. She was generous of spirit and of hospitality, she was strong and able, she was loving and loved. She could appear formidable occasionally, and I’ve seen that at times. She will be missed, she was much loved, and if we could all learn to unobtrusively mentor in the way that she did life and especially the arts would benefit hugely from her legacy. Let’s remember her in that way, a stellar influence in every sphere in which she took an interest . RIP

Ann was a unique person with a hugely generous heart; she was also a terrific conversationalist with strongly held views. A wonderful host, she presided over many a memorable dinner party in Sandymount and Clifden.

As a co-founder of the Dublin International Piano Competition and its Administrator for nearly three decades, her contribution to the Irish music scene was significant. Her dedication to the organisation was palpable.

Her flame will live on.

She will be greatly missed.

Sincere sympathy to all of Ann’s family on her recent death.
I have lovely memories of Ann’s hospitality in Connemara in the early 2000s.
Rest in peace Ann

Deepest sympathy to Ann’s family. May she rest in peace.
A donation in her memory has been sent to Irish Blue Cross.
Mary and Melissa Jennings

Sincere sympathy to the family of Ann on her recent death.

Dear Mary, David, and Paul
I was so sorry to hear of Ann's death. She was such a huge part of my childhood: effervescent, sparkling, cheery, witty, hilarious, generous, intelligent, and probably the world's best storyteller. Even as a young child, I always remember how she welcomed your opinion and made you feel like the most important and intelligent person in the room. I always looked forward to seeing her on my trips back to Dublin, and will of course miss her presence - though that absence must be so much stronger for you. Rest in peace.

Ann Fuller was the most wonderful, fun, kind, inspirational and caring friend. Her generosity and hospitality were legendary.
Ann was a woman of many passions, enthusiasms, knowledge and wisdom with an enormous dollop of chaos thrown in for a good measure.
She lit up every room she entered and was a force of nature, I always felt the better after every encounter with her.
Although she will be incredibly missed by so many people she will certainly be remembered as having enriched so many lives.
RIP Ann

Sincerest Condolences to the Mahon family on Ann’s sad passing. Many happy memories of time spent in Connemara. A kind and fun lady and a great advocate for the arts, particularly the DIPC, she’ll be hugely missed.

I was so deeply saddened to hear of Ann's passing. She was an amazing boss and a wonderful friend — supportive, kind, and inspiring in every way. Ann was an incredible advocate for young pianists and always encouraged and nurtured their talent with such passion. She will be truly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

May she rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Ann’s family. As the then Chair of the National Concert Hall, it was my privilege to work with her and John O’Conor in preparing for the first Dublin Piano Competition. She was a constant support and encouragement in a range of other musical activities for which I will always be deeply grateful to her.

Deepest sympathy to the family on the sad death of Ann . She was a wonderful friend to our family in particular to Rhona They shared many happy times and holidays in those carefree times of long ago . We remember Ann for her great enthusiasm and charm . Wonderful character who lit up the room . A great honour and pleasure to have known her Sadly missed .

The Dublin International Piano Competition is deeply saddened by the death of Ann, a Co-Founder of the DIPC. Ann was a passionate advocate for the DIPC and was dedicated to nurturing the competitors and empowering the winners. Ann fostered a supportive community of volunteers, mentors, International Juries, and shared the vision of all for promoting excellence in piano performance. We remember Ann’s warmth, kindness, and infectious enthusiasm. The memories we all shared with Ann will continue to inspire the DIPC into the future.

Our sincere condolences to all of Ann’s family at this very sad time.
Ann was a true supporter of Clifden Arts Festival from its earliest days.
She encouraged and supported inspiring piano concerts at the festival. She will always be remembered in Clifden by her many friends and through her great contribution to music in Ireland.

Deepest condolences on the loss of Ann, may she rest in peace.