Screening as part of TradFest 2024, on January 28th at 15.30.

Seán Keane (1946-2023) earned world renown as a pivotal member of The Chieftains, the group he joined in 1968 after coming to prominence with Ceoltóirí Chualann and the Castle Céilí Band earlier in the decade. His powerful fiddle playing married technical virtuosity with insight and a deep understanding of what made Irish traditional music distinctively beautiful.

In this documentary profile, Seán recalls a range of musical influences from early days listening to James Morrisson and Frank O’Higgins on a wind-up gramophone and his great admiration for the musical and managerial skills of Paddy Moloney. Seán’s talents are extolled by fellow traditional musicians Paddy Glackin, Mick O’Connor, Liam O’Connor, Matt Molloy and Doireann Ní Ghlacáin who speaks of the “overwhelming feeling of joy” which his music creates.

Followed by a Q&A with Dermot O’Hanlon (director), Doireann Ní Ghlacáin (contributor), Seán Potts (producer) and Liam O’Connor (ITMA) will be hosted by Aoife Nic Cormaic (RTÉ Radio).

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn