The family of the broadcaster who was known for championing the Irish language confirmed the sad news of his passing after a hard-fought battle with prostate cancer on Friday morning.
Throughout his career, Manchán was known for his travel documentaries, many of which he produced with his brother, Ruan.
He also won acclaim for his documentary "No Béarla" ["No English language"] which saw him travel around the country only speaking Irish, and presented programmes on RTÉ Radio One.
Manchán also enjoyed a career as a newspaper columnist and wrote a number of books on the Irish language.
In September, he bravely spoke out about his illness, which at that stage had spread to multiple organs, during an interview with Brendan O'Connor.
He told the host: "If I had an agenda, it's the things that connect us to spirit. And I think any ancient traditional culture, their heritage is about what connects them as a tribe, but also what connects them to nature.
"And then where do you go from nature to spirit? It's that mix in any culture around the world. Spirit is the basis. We are in nature, and then we are humans in nature connected. So it's those three things."
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Tributes have been rolling in for Manchán, with one person writing: "This is such sad news to wake up to this morning. Manchán was a gentleman, as well as being a tremendous broadcaster and communicator... he was very generous with knowledge. The language revival owes him much."
"What a loss. Manchán helped us understand ourselves. Suimhneas síoraí dá anam dílis, [eternal peace to his faithful soul.]" Someone else wrote, while a third paid tribute, saying: "I won't be the only one waking up in tears to this news today.
"So authentically himself that there really was no one like him. A beautiful man who intrigued, taught and inspired us all. I'm heartbroken for him and for those who loved him. He will be so missed."
Manchán is survived by his wife Aisling, his mother Cróine and his three siblings.
* This article was originally published on Evoke.ie.
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