Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

On Monday last, Clonmel lost one of its most distinguished daughters, Monica del Bigio, née Cullen, from Albert Street in Clonmel. She was an exceptional talent, a soprano of the highest rank who passed away in Italy. On behalf of the people of Clonmel and on my own behalf, I extend sympathies to Monica's family, her daughter Paola, son Patrick, extended family, relations and friends both here in Ireland and in Italy.

Monica made her operatic debut with St. Mary's Choral Society in 1953, taking the leading role of Serpolette in a production of The Bells of Corneville. She trained professionally with the Abbey Theatre, continued her vocal studies in New York and completed her training in Italy, where she won numerous awards. Throughout a very successful career, she performed in all major opera houses in Europe but she never lost touch with her home town of Clonmel and her beloved St. Mary's Choral Society. She performed professionally with the society and officially opened the South Tipperary Arts Centre in Clonmel. Monica was a wonderful ambassador for Clonmel, Tipperary and Ireland. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a hanam uasal.

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