Séamus Begley

Séamus Begley (Irish: Séamus Ó Beaglaoich, 26 August 1949 – 9 January 2023) was an Irish accordion player, and Irish traditional musician. He was regarded as one of Ireland's greatest accordion players.

Séamus Begley
Background information
Birth nameSéamus Ó Beaglaoich
Born(1949-09-26)26 September 1949[1][2]
Baile na bPoc, Corca Dhuibhne, County Kerry, Ireland
Died9 January 2023(2023-01-09) (aged 73)
Baile na bPoc, Corca Dhuibhne, County Kerry, Ireland
GenresIrish traditional music
Instrument(s)Accordion, fiddle
Years active1962–2023

Early life

Begley was born in Baile na bPoc on the Dingle Peninsula. One of a family of nine, his father, Breandán Ó Beaglaoich, owned the local dance hall and was a well-known accordionist.[3][4]

Career

Begley learned his music at home and began playing at the local céilí at the age of 13. He released his first album, An Ciarraíoch Mallaithe, with his sister Máire in 1973.[5] Begley and his sister paired up again on Planxtaí Bhaile na bPoc in 1989, the same year he played at the Glastonbury Festival with Steve Cooney. He later collaborated with Cooney on the album Meitheal in 1992. Begley later partnered with the likes of Jim Murray, Mary Black, Sharon Shannon and Tim Edey, producing further albums.[6]

Death

Begley died on 9 January 2023, at the age of 73.[7][8]

References
  1. "An ceoltóir aitheanta Séamus Ó Beaglaoich ar shlí na fírinne". peig.ie. 9 January 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  2. "Séamus Begley: Accordion player and singer with a rare talent and a passion for living". Irish Times. 14 January 2023. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
  3. "Singer, dancer, Gaeilgeoir and mother of one of Kerry's great musical families". Irish Times. 31 July 2004. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  4. "My cultural life: Breanndan O Beaglaoich, musician". Irish Independent. 19 February 2018. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  5. "Reluctant Seamus Begley finds his voice at last". Irish Examiner. 23 September 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  6. "Traditional duo set to perform". Bray People. 18 April 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  7. "Renowned trad musician Séamus Begley dies age 73". Irish Examiner. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
  8. "Family and friends devastated by the death of Kerry musician and singer Séamus Ó Beaglaoich". The Kerryman. 9 January 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
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