She was a rare and extraordinary talent.

An Taoiseach Michéal Martin has led the tributes to well-known Cork soprano Cara O’Sullivan, who died yesterday aged 59.

The accomplished soprano was diagnosed with an aggressive form of early-onset dementia in 2018 and passed away at Marymount University Hospital and Hospice on Tuesday.

Mr Martin said he was “deeply saddened” by the news: “She had a beautiful voice and the warmest personality. Cork is very proud of her legacy and I will always value our friendship. Deepest sympathy to Christine and her wider family. R.I.P. Cara.”

Deeply saddened to hear of the death of soprano Cara O’Sullivan. She had a beautiful voice and the warmest personality. Cork is very proud of her legacy and I will always value our friendship. Deepest sympathy to Christine and her wider family. R.I.P. Cara.

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 26, 2021

Cork Opera House CEO Eibhlín Gleeson said Cara was loved “not only for her magnificent talent but for her kindness and the generosity of spirit” she brought to her performances.

“Throughout her life, she remained firmly in the hearts of the people of Cork. Her contribution to the arts is immeasurable. Cara went above and beyond for her community and was incredibly generous with her talent.

“She used her voice to bring joy and hope to anyone who was lucky enough to cross her path. She was incredible to work with, an unbelievable talent, a consummate professional and a breath of fresh air. She was fun, vivacious and hilarious. She is a huge loss to Cork and to the Opera House. She will be truly missed.”

So sad to read the announcement of the death of Cork’s beloved Cara O’Sullivan, such an interesting and fun person with a glorious, heavenly voice. Deepest sympathy to those who knew her best and loved her most. pic.twitter.com/r40sMXdYZV

— paul colton (@DrPaulColton) January 26, 2021

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Joe Kavanagh said he was deeply saddened at the news, describing the performer as “a real musical icon of Cork culture”.

“Her vibrant personality lit up every venue she performed at and her incredible talent was undoubted. She will be a huge loss to so many.” Cllr Kavanagh tweeted.

Former rugby international Donncha O’Callaghan said: “So sad to hear of the passing of Cara O’Sullivan. A beautiful voice and the kindest person.

“We will never forget the emotional energy she created before our games ‘Until you hear that bell, that final bell, stand up and fight like hell!’”

The Book of Condolences will go live on corkcity.ie from 12 noon on Wednesday, January 27th, 2021.