MUSIC Seán Keane in concert on Inishturk

HEADING OFF-SHORE SeΡn Keane’s island concert is expected to be a sell-out.

SeΡn Keane in concert on Inishturk

Henry McGlade

THE great SeΡn Keane – brother of singers Dolores and Matt – is coming to Inishturk for a one-off concert on Saturday, August 18. Supported by a full band, the show is expected to be a sell out. SeΡn, who started singing when he was six years of age, was part of a family who played music and sang songs.

The fleadh ceoil came to Tuam when he was about seven so he was asked if he would learn a song for it. SeΡn, who hails from Caherlistrine, Co Galway, had been tipping away singing a few bits and pieces but learned May Morning Dew and sang that – and won first place.

Later, his singing took him to London, where he joined the band She Gui. Staying with them for about two years, he got a feel for touring as they played a number of venues across Europe. He went on to tour America with his sister Dolores Keane, Martin O’Connor (accordion), Eamon Curran (piper) and John Faulkner, with the band Reunion.

Sen then joined the seven-piece Arcady, formed by Ringo McDonagh and after a year and a half with them, he decided to pursue a solo career. In the meantime, he had got married to his late wife, Virginia, and she encouraged him to pursue singing as a profession. SeΡn agreed, but he named his price.

“I said I would, but that the only way I would [continue singing] would be if she managed me and she agreed to do that. Virginia managed my career, and I’ve enjoyed the music ever since and continue to do so,” SeΡn explained.

Although he has been absent from the music scene for a short while, SeΡn revealed that he is hoping to record again towards the end of this year “I didn’t concentrate too much on the music for the last while [but] I’m back at it a bit more now. I do enjoy touring … I go back to the places where I would have played before both at home and abroad to meet friends really.” SeΡn, who is renowned for his sean-nós style of folk singing, has just returned from touring Austria, Canada, America and Germany.

Tickets for the SeΡn Keane concert on Inishturk island on August 18. Tickets  (Ä15 each) will be available at the door of the community centre on the night.