Col. Fred O'Callaghan

I'm saddened to learn of Col. Fred's passing. I first knew him when I played the organ for Sunday masses in the chapel at Cathal Brugha barracks back in 1971 and 1972 with Fred as choirmaster; and then again when he was a conductor with the Dublin Orchestral Players. I always found him to be a true gentleman who treated everyone fairly. He was a great man and musician. Senan Whelan, Toronto, Ontario.

We have just learned today of Fred's passing, from a former Band colleague. I have great memories of Fred from my time at the ASM and in the Band, and I always made a point of reconnecting with Fred whenever I visited from New Zealand. down through the years.
Fred was always immensely kind to me and to my family. He was a huge musical talent and a very erudite man. We enjoyed wonderful conversations about music, literature, and travel. We last saw Fred in 2019, before the world closed down with Covid, and we were always hoping to see him again.
We send our condolences and sincere sympathises to his family. We will always remember Fred with fondness and respect. Rest in peace, Fred.
Willie and Kathleen Ryan (Wellington, New Zealand)

R.I.P Col. O Callaghan. An inspiration and a true Gentleman.

So sad the hear the news that Fred had died.
For many years, together with Fred and Dympna, we had the pleasure of enjoying many wonderful and insightful evenings in the United Arts Club for gatherings of The Opera Circle. Together we thoroughly enjoyed our Sunday evening get-togethers to listen to, and reminisce over many wonderful singers and performances which brought back so many happy memories. Fred appreciated everyone who contributed in whatever capacity to bring joy through music to so many people.
Our sympathies to Dympna and all the O'Callaghan family.

To Ralph & Mary, so sad to hear about your brother Fred’s death. Our condolences to all the family

We are so sorry to hear the sad news of Fred's death. As a budding amateur player, I first encountered Fred's expert and sensitive musical expertise when I joined the Dublin Orchestral Players in the early 1970s and when he first guided me into the intricacies of ensemble playing. It was a great privilege to continue playing under his knowledgeable direction over the following years. Fred was always generous and helpful with his advice. We offer our sincerest sympathy to his family on their sad loss.

So very sad to hear of Fred’s passing. A wonderful musician and a true gentleman. He was my mother Peggy’s first cousin and we attended many of Fred’s concerts when on holiday in Dublin. We also had the pleasure of his company whenever he visited London.
He will be remembered by all my family with great fondness. Our thoughts are with his siblings, Joyce, Dympna, Ralph and Brendan.

Sincere condolences to the O Callaghan family on the passing of Fred. May he rest in peace.

My late parents, Ned and Muriel Donohoe, were neighbours of Fred O'Callaghan on Clonkeen Road. He very kindly visited them from time to time. I never had the pleasure of meeting Fred but my parents spoke very fondly of him. May I extend my sympathy to you all at this very sad time.

Sincere sympathy to the O'Callaghan Family on Fred's death. A lovely gentleman. May Fred Rest in Peace.

I was very sad to hear of the passing of Col. O’Callaghan. Condolences to his family. He was very knowledgeable and always a gentlemen. He gave his life to the ASM.

The ASM had a great tradition of a Christmas dinner and I happened to be School Captain for one of these events. The tradition at this event is where the officers serve their men. Fred served me and when he sat down he said “ in the future you can tell your colleagues, I remember the Colonel when he was just a waiter” . We both laughed and he put me at ease and we had a great chat over dinner. Years later and a civilian i was looking in Clerys window on O’Connell St and when I turned to walk away there was Col. O’ Callaghan. He acknowledged me by my name although it had been 25 years. We shared pleasantries, it was cold, around Christmas time, I suggested a coffee and had another great chat. He was a leader, someone I have always admired and I hope the current ASM will host some memorial concert or event in his honour. I will certainly be there.

Very sorry to hear of the death of my music friend Fred. I was in many of his orchestras. With deepest sympathy to all Fred’s family.

Col O'Callaghan was a fantastic DOM in the DFSM. As a youngster i enjoyed watching him conduct the band in the 80s and on tv. His conducting of The Army No 1 Band on many a Friday Bandstand on Radio 1 was almost palpable through the radio speaker. His legacy will be hard to replicate. May he rest in peace.

Dear O'Callaghan family members,
It is with deep sadness I learned of the death of Col.Fred.
He was one nice, friendly, Christian, man, and gifted musician, who knew how to draw the best out of aspiring musicians, of any age.
I will post a Mass card to 46 Clonkeen Road, Deansgrange.
May Fred rest in Heavenly peace.
He was very kind to me during my days with the Army School of Music in Dublin.
I hope ye will take solace in the exemplary life he lead, and the gift he had to inspire other people.

I am so sad to hear the news of Col O’Callaghan’s passing. My late father, Frank Scully, formerly of the Band of Curragh Command, and my late mother Margaret, were so fond of Fred and spoke so frequently and highly of him. His continued communication with my dad, especially over his last years, was a source of great delight and genuinely appreciated by us all. Col O’Callaghan leaves behind an enormous legacy, personally, professionally and musically. My sincere sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. Ni bheidh a leithéad arís ann.

Sad farewell to an old and dear friend. Thank you for the music. Joan Rooney, Dublin Grand Opera Society.

So sorry to hear of Col Fred O Callaghan's passing. He achieved such high standards from DFSM Bands during his long career and was hugely instrumental in the development of wind bands in Ireland. He was always extremely supportive to me during my career in the Defence Forces. On behalf of myself and the Prendergast family we would like to extend our sincerest condolences to his extended family. RIP.

Sympathy to Freddie's family on the loss of a kind gentle brother
He will never be forgotten
Pat Annette O'Connor and Family and the extended Flatman family

Members and friends of the DOP are saddened to learn of the passing of Col. Fred. He was our regular conductor from 1967-1971 with some occasional concerts after that until a last one in 1988. It was a priviledge to have been in the orchestra under his "baton". He was always so generous with his time and musical knowledge and nothing escaped his watchful eyes and ears. One of his favourite composers was Antonin Dvorak and in particular the Symphony No. 9 in E minor - From the New World, which we happen to be rehearsing at present.
He was a real Gentleman.
With deepest sympathy to all Fred's family at this sad time.
Brenda Alexander on behalf of The Dublin Orchestral Players

Dear Joyce, Dympna, Ralph and Brendan, sincere condolences on the death of your loving brother Fred. I have very fond memories of attending various events with my Dad (Peter) and watching Fred conduct the Army Bands in his halcyon days and listening closely to all the various instruments come alive at his command. A lovely gentleman always. At dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Very sorry to hear the Very sad news. I lived directly across the road from Fred for many year's ( remember his mother and father Very fondly too. Simply put the Man was a thorough gentleman in every way. R.I. P. You will be missed Fred.

So very sorry to learn of Fred’s passing. My sincere condolences to his siblings at this difficult time. I remember Fred as the consummate officer & gentleman whose contribution to the DF School of Music was immense. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. May he now rest in peace

On behalf of the members of the Association of Retired Commissioned Officers (ARCO), of which Fred was a member, I extend our deepest condolences to his sisters Joyce and Dympna, brothers Ralph and Brendan and extended family on his death. Fred is remembered as a true gentleman who has left a enormous legacy to military and Irish music.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a Anam Dílis.

Sincere condolences to the O’Callaghan family. Fred made an immense contribution to the Defence Forces and military music. He was above all a true gentleman. May Fred Rest In Peace.

Sincerest sympathy to all the O'Callaghan family on your sad loss.
Fred was a consummate musician, conductor, arranger, and, above all, a great friend and mentor.
I greatly admired his concerts, radio talks and his invaluable help to me in the Department of Education as an examiner and organiser of wonderful summer courses for teachers with the No. 1 Army Band.
Ceol na n-aingeal go gcloise sé!
Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.

Oilibhéar Ó hEidhin
Iar-chigire sinsearach na Roinne Oideachais agus Eolaíochta

I was saddened to hear of Colonel Fred's passing. A most affable and endearing man whom I had the pleasure of meeting on many occasions at band events and Summer school. A great arranger and conductor, he did so much for our wonderful band movement in Ireland. My sincere condolences to all of Fred's family and friends and to all at the DFSM. He leaves a great legacy. Rest in Peace Fred.

Deepest sympathy to the O’Callaghan family on the passing of Fred.
I have very fond memories of serving with him in the School of Music.

May he rest in peace.

Sorry to see your bereavment Dympna .fond memories of a great musician

Deepest sympathy to the O’Callaghan family on their sad loss. May Fred Rest in Peace.

Col. F. O'Callaghan was a part of our Military development and History and will be remembered among the great Military musicians. Condolences to his Family and Friends. John ( Commander Rtd.) and Helen Jordan

So sorry to hear of the passing of Fred. I met him for the first time in 1967 as I arrived in Cathal Brugha Barracks on commissioning. In the full meaning of the expression Fred was indeed a true gentleman. He has left an indelible musical legacy. I offer my condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Fred.

Dear "uncle " Fred, was a colleague of my late Dad, in the army school of music. A true gentleman. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace. Helen.🙏

Deepest sympathy to Fred’s family and to all who mourn him. His contribution to music in Ireland, and particularly in the Defence Forces, is immeasurable. It is a privilege to have served with him. May he rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to O’Callaghan families on the passing of Col.Fred , thinking of you all at this difficult time, may he rest peace

Sincere sympathy on the passing of Fred, who I met on the road during Covid times.

One of natures gentlemen. Rest in Peace Fred

Condolences to the O' Callaghan family on Fred's passing. We knew him for just a short time but in those years he was a kind, thoughtful, and generous neighbour. We will think of Fred each year when the hyacinths bloom.
Ar dhéis Dé go raibh a anam.

Fred was truly the last of his generation. His contribution not only to his beloved ASM but to music in Ireland in general was remarkable. May he rest in peace.

Condolences to his extended family. He was a great musician, Officer and Director of School of Music. His memory will live on through his many compositions which are still used by DF Bands.

I was lucky enough to spend my time as a 'boy' in the ASM when Col. O'Callaghan was Director of Music. He was always interested in our daily afairs, and played a pivotal role in our musical instruction.

It was always a pleasure to play under him as a conductor, and I'm sure his musical arrangements will be part of the Army Bands musical repertoire for many generations to come. He will be missed by those of us who were lucky enough to serve with him.

Condolences to his family and may he Rest in Peace

Sincere sympathy to all the family … rip Fred

My deepest sympathy on the passing of Fred, to his siblings and the extended O'Callaghan family. May He rest in peace. I have many fond memories of my days with the ASM.
Suaimhneas siorai tabairth do a Thiarna.

So sad to hear of 'Uncle' Fred's passing. I have such cherished memories going back over 50 years of his kindness, selflessness and of his wonderful big laugh (accompanied by his whole face going almost apoplectically red!).

His contribution to music and musicians in Ireland was immense but his natural reticence would probably cause him to downplay this were he here.

Rest in peace, Fred.