Pat Kelleher 

 

Luke Kelly became my big inspiration as a folk singer and still is to this day.

In 1980, I met with another young folk singer at a Comhltas Ceolteori session in a local pub with similar interests. We founded a folk group called Cruiscin Lan. His name was Dan O’Sullivan from west Cork and also my brother Tim joined up to form a trio. At this stage I was playing guitar as was Dan and my brother on five-string banjo. Dan soon persuaded shy me to start singing which I did and never looked back. We played pubs and hotel bars throughout Munster and even further a field.

I left the group in 1987 to pursue a solo career. I have since performed mainly in Cork and Kerry and have met some great musicians and befriended many people from all corners of the globe.

My main influences in the folk scene would be Luke Kelly of The Dubliners, Tommy Makem particularly as a song writer, The Clancy s, Christy Moore and Pete Seeger and in recent times my great friend Bobby Clancy. I also have a great interest in the five-string banjo, all styles but clawhammer/frailing is my favourite. Collecting fine banjos is also hobby of mine. My main aim is to keep the folk tradition alive and keep singing all the old songs and also the new ones.

Visit Pat Kelleher’s website: www.patkelleher.net