Cathal Coughlan has died aged 61. His family announced the news, saying he “slipped away peacefully in hospital after a long illness.”
Cathal Coughlan was an Irish singer-songwriter, formerly of Microdisney and The Fatima Mansions. His work with both bands received much critical acclaim, as did his solo material.
Like many of his peers, Coughlan moved from his native county to London, a base from where Microdisney achieved moderate success.
Often engaged in politics and social issues, Coughlan’s CV includes an Apartheid-era album entitled We Hate You South African Bastards, references to Romania’s dictator on Blues for Ceausescu, and a tune railing against Margaret Thatcher’s values in Only Losers Take The Bus.
Coughlan also collaborated with comedian Sean Hughes as the duo Bubonique, and released a series of solo albums, most recently Song of Co-Aklan in 2021.
Coughlan leaves behind his wife, Julie. The family statement said a memorial ceremony would be held amongst close friends and family soon.