Geraldine O'Grady Keogh

Our deepest condolences Des and family on the passing of your beloved Geraldine. Only recently heard of your sad loss. May her gentle soul rest in peace

Des and Oonagh - I was so sorry to hear of Geraldine's passing - our sincerest condolences. The world has lots a wonderful person and world class musician. I was only thinking of you all in recent weeks and wondering how you were. From all the wonderful concerts in New York, performances at my wedding and Mom (Maire's) funeral, to violin lessons in our apartment in Forest Hills - we have incredible memories of her. This is a very hard time - we're thinking of you and here as you need. My Dad - Bill (now 93) sends his love to you all. Much love, Dorothy, Brian and Bill.

Dear Des,Oonagh, Sheila,

My whole world of String playing/ teaching opened up in November 1970 when I was sent to Geraldine for a Violin lesson.

I never looked back! I could only describe it as being
“a night in Paris!!”

I studied with her for many years afterwards - an inspirational
Franco- Belgian bowing technique in particular took me and many of my pupils a long way in helping to produce that wonderful tone we all could and can still hear in her playing ie. “The Lark in the Clear Air”

Geraldine Des and I last met briefly at Feis Ceoil when granddaughter Aoibhinn was performing- I thought of Geraldine so much during following lockdown !

Sadly I was unaware of her subsequent illness as would have gone to visit.

I missed the funeral due to lost glasses and an appointment for eye test.

The funeral mass was exceptional- such preservation of talent and commitment is a credit to all.

Rest in peace Geraldine.

( That one can access her most beautiful tone by tapping on her recordings on a phone is unbelievable! )


Will always be remembered

Our sincere condolences to Des, Oonagh and all the family. We were so sorry to hear of Geraldine's passing, may she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Sending our deepest sympathies to Des, Oonagh, Ruadhán, Aoibhín, Sheila, Geraldine's relations and friends, on her sad passing following a wonderful life and contribution to music that others could only dream of. A world class performer, and an inspirational teacher, who shared with our family such wisdom and kindness, giving a love for the violin, confidence and belief in their playing ability, all delivered with a beautiful smile, a twinkle in her eye, and a most gentle voice. May her beautiful music console you in your sadness. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. Ceol na nAingeal go gcloise Geraldine agus suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam dílis.

Sincerest condolences to Des, Oonagh and family on the passing of Geraldine. Such happy memories we have of times we have shared in the musical world since childhood. All of my family are thinking of you at this very sad time.

Heartfelt and sincerest sympathy to Des, Oonagh and extended family on the very sad passing of your dearly beloved Geraldine. The wonderful condolences here are testament to the exceptional person she was. I adore listening to her on you tube. Thank you soo.... much for all the joy you have given us Geraldine and thank god your music will live on forever. May your gentle soul rest in peace.

It was a privilege to have met Geraldine towards the end of her life and to have witnessed the love and affection, commitment and loyalty, faith and hope shared by Des and Geraldine - such a beautiful couple. May Geraldine rest in peace. "And the greatest of these is love." 1 Cor 13:13

A fine & talented lady who will be sadly missed. Very sincere condolences to Des, Una & all Family & Friends🙏🏻

Sincere sympathy to the Keogh and o Grady families on the passing of Geraldine .There wasn't a musician in the world who could play the coulin like her .Ar dheis De go raibh si .

A truly sad day to hear of the passing of this deeply talented musician whose 'Lark' will be forever treasured in all our hearts.

My sincere condolences to Des & Family on your great loss

Sincere condolences to Oonagh and all the family.

Sincere condolences to all the family. Geraldine was a trailblazer, a superb violinist and an inspiration to so many musicians. May she rest in peace.

A tribute to a truly gifted and exceptional violinist, whom I had the great pleasure of knowing. Only later did I discover that Geraldine had been a regular visitor to my grandparents’ home in the 1940s—an unexpected and lovely connection across generations. It was through Geraldine’s recommendation, when I was searching for a teacher for my very young daughter, that I found her amazing sister Sheila at the RIAM. Sheila not only became an outstanding teacher, but also a lifelong friend. For that alone, I will always be grateful.
I so enjoyed the many gatherings with Geraldine at Sheila ‘s home …she was such fun, full of warmth, humour, and spirit. Geraldine will be dearly missed; she was deeply loved by her family and by the many, many friends whose lives she touched.
Rest in peace, dear Geraldine. You touched the world with your wonderful musicianship, and your memory will continue to bring light to all who knew you. ❤️

Deepest sympathies to Des, Oonagh, Ruadhán and Aoibhín. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. May Geraldine rest in peace.

My deepest condolences to des and family i will missing seeing yous in leopardstown rest in peace Geraldine

Condolences to Des family neighbours and musical family
Big fan of Des and Geraldine
God bless
🙏🏻 ar dheis de go raibh a anam

Sincere sympathy, Oonagh and all your family, on the passing of your wonderful mother. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

To: Des, Oonagh and Family, So sorry to hear of the death of Geraldine. Was listening to her playing "The Lark in the Clear Air" on radio this am. Would have ministered to Geraldine during her time in LPH. May her gentle soul rest in peace and may the Lord comfort you in your loss.

Condolences to Des - Keogh family ,just listened to lark in the clear air on radio 1 tribute to a talented lady/family.May Geraldine's gentle soul rest in peace.

Farewell Geraldine my favourite Irish artist. Condolences to the family. Rest in peace Geraldine.

Sincere sympathy to you Des and family.Im feeling sad listening to John Bowman's archival material charting your beautiful lives." The Lark in the Clear Air " always stopped me in my tracks and gave me the push to go on with the journey.May God be good to you all.You made life worthwhile.

Deepest Sympathy to the family at this sad time may Geraldine rest in peace. Thank you for the Music.

We offer our sincere sympathy and condolences to Des ,Oonagh ,Aoibhinn ,Ruadhán, sister Sheila, extended O' Grady and Keogh families on the very sad occasion of Geraldine's death. Remembering happy occasions spent in her company . She was a gracious modest lady , generous in sharing her music. She will be sadly missed by all who were privileged to know her but most of all by you her beloved family. May her gentle and noble Soul rest in peace . Ireland has lost a wonderful ambassador and the most talented musician of her generation.

Deepest sympathy Des, Oonagh and extended family. Very fond memories of the years we spent going to lessons with Geraldine, her dedication to teaching music, and her kindness to us.

My deepest sympathy to Des and your extended family. May Geraldine rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to Des & Oonagh,Aoibhin & Ruadhan & Sheila on the sad death of your beloved Geraldine such a tallented humble lady.
Fond memories of meeting Geraldine, Des, Eily & Frank Patterson many year's ago in J T Curleys shop in Tullycross when you were there on your Holidays. It was such a pleasure to know Geraldine & indeed you all.. Ceoil na n aingeal go gcloise si anois, agus ar dheis Dé go raibh a h anam dhilis.

Margaret & the Curley family.

Sincere condolences to Des, Oonagh and all of Geraldine's family. A very fine musician and a lovely person.

Very saddened to hear of the death of the wonderful Geraldine O'Grady, a vibrant, friendly, and welcoming presence, and a brilliant and renowned teacher of the Royal Irish Academy of Music who, like her sister Sheila, always brightened every room she walked into. I have very fond memories of the Junior Strings and sections with Sheila (and our RTE Toy Show audition rehearsals at Sheila's house) and Geraldine popped in at times. Both ladies were remarkable role models and voices for women in music.

Margaret Hayes O'Toole introduced me to The Lark in the Clear Air, which is a piece that transformed my love for learning the violin and I remember Margaret delightedly celebrating that I had finally found my style, my passion, and forte, out of which she introduced me to nineteenth century music and so forth grew my love for nineteenth century music, she was over the moon with my rapid development in this repertoire. Her encouragement and support were unsurpassable. Margaret O'Toole's passed in 2023, another exceptional teacher of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, and outstanding performer, woman, and voice for women in music.

I appreciate the support Geraldine provided in her leadership role towards my grade 8 violin exam. Thinking of Sheila at this sad time.

Rest in peace Geraldine

My deepest sympathy to Des, Oonagh and all the family on the passing of Geraldine. I was so sad to hear the news. She was a wonderful talented musician and incredible teacher. Her generosity and kindness were immense. Rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Des, Oonagh and the extended O’Grady and Keogh families on the passing of Geraldine. As a family we are very fortunate to have had the pleasure of her beautiful playing at our late dad Frank’s funeral mass. He would have loved it! She was such a talented, kind, gracious and generous person. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to the family of Geraldine O'Grady, such a wonderful musician and such a generous, gracious teacher and a kind neighbour to a close relative of ours. I treasure the notes from a course in Kylemore Abbey some years ago. What a wonderful legacy she has left to her family and to Ireland. May she rest in peace.

Many condolences to Des, Oonagh and extended family on the death of Geraldine. She was a talent musician and a special person Bring back lovely memories of grown up listing to her music
Resting with angels and Saints
Patrick Cunningham and family 👼🕯️🦋

We are so sorry to learn of Geraldine’s passing. May her gentle soul rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to Des, Oonagh and the entire family circle.

To Des and all the family. We are so sorry to hear that Geraldine has passed away. With our deepest sympathy from Chris and Barbara Kenevey

My childhood Sunday mornings will always be associated with The lark in the clear air, I still play it every Sunday morning, my condolences to Geraldine's family RIP.

Heartfelt sympathy to Des, Oonagh, Ruadhán, Aoibhín and Sheila. Geraldine was a very special lady, and such a talented musician and teacher. She took such an interest in all of her pupils, was so generous with her time, and brought out the best in us all. May she rest in peace.

My sincere sympathy Des and your family .

Sincere condolences on your sad loss to all the extended O’Grady and Keogh families. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, as is my mother, oboist Muriel Dagg, who often played together with Geraldine in the then RTÉ Symphony Orchestra. Geraldine has left a wonderful legacy to our nation’s music; and may she now enjoy heaven’s music eternally.

My sincere condolences to Sheila and all the O,Grady and Keogh family from. Maureen.

Many condolences to Des, Oonagh and extended family on the death of Geraldine. She was a wonderful musician and a special person.

My deapest sympathy Oonagh, to your dad Des, and family, on the passing of your beautful mother, Geraldine. A beautiful ceremony today xx

Heartfelt sympathy to Des, Oonagh,grandchildren, Sheila, Paul, Therese and all Geraldines extended family and friends on her sad passing. Her legacy and talent will be forever remembered. Rest in peace Geraldine.

Le comhbhrón ó chroí. May her gentle soul rest in peace.

My sincere sympathy to you Oonagh and all the family on the loss of your beautiful mam.
Suaimhneas síoraí dear Geraldine RIP

Sincere sympathy and prayers to Des, Oonagh, grandchildren, sister Sheila, nephew Paul and to all the O'Grady and Keogh extended families. May Geraldine now join the choirs of angels where she will sing a new song to the Lord.

I was saddened to hear of Geraldine's death. I have very fond memories of meeting both Des and herself on their many visits to Limerick over the years. A truly remarkable, generous, and gracious lady, as well as a remarkable and talented musical force of nature. My thoughts turn to Des, Oonagh, Aoibhin, Ruadhan, Sheila, and the extended O'Grady and Keogh family as well as her many friends, students, and admirers. Sleep tight, Geraldine.

A remarkable talent who will never be forgotten

I send my deepest sympathy to Oonagh and Des and to all of Geraldine's family and friends. I knew, admired and loved her since first knowing her through my fiancé Archie Potter (A.J. Potter) from 1979 and later with my husband Frank Murphy. She was one of the most significant musicians of her generation and a great role model for musicians in Ireland. With the warmest of memories and love for Geraldine, the bright star no longer amongst us.

Sincere sympathy to Des, Oonagh and the Keogh and O'Grady families at this sad time. Geraldine was a wonderful person in so many ways and an outstanding violinist. In particular, her singing tone was second to none. You will greatly miss her.

Ceol na n-aingeal go gcloise sí anois agus gura móide teaghlach Dé a hanam dílis.

Dear Des, Oonagh & family
So sorry for your loss
Geraldine was such a kind & beautiful lady
She will be sadly missed
Light of heaven to her

Condolences to all of Geraldine's family & friends

I admired her wonderful talent & have such lovely memories from my childhood listening to her records with my Dad.

May She Rest in Peace.

Sincere condolences to the Keogh family on the sad passing of Geraldine, also to her sister Sheila & extended family, May she rest in peace

Dear Des,Oonagh and family our sincere condolences to you all thinking of you at this sad time. Eddie and Margaret xx

Heartfelt sympathy to you Oonagh and your dad on your sad loss of your beloved mam
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.

With deepest sympathy Sheila on the passing of your sister Geraldine.

Sincere condolences to Oonagh, Des and the wider family on Geraldine's passing.
Sunday morning's RTE radio programme 'Mo ceol thu' ,with her rendering of 'The Lark in the clear air', will remain etched in my memory.
Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam. Bobby

Hi Des and Oonagh,

We are so sorry to hear of Geraldine's passing.
May she rest in peace.

Kind regards

Ger and Pat Reidy Labasheeda
Co Clare

Dear Des,

We are very sorry to learn of Geraldine’s death.
We wish to send you and Oonagh our deepest sympathy.
With warm wishes,
Mary and Henry Murphy