In Memorium:
Seán Keane
In 1946 the Dublin suburb of Drimnagh would not appear as the ideal location from which a fiddler like Seán Keane would emerge. It was his parents' rural experiences which would prove an early seminal influence on him as each were fiddlers and well rooted in traditional Irish music.
With his parents strong support, Seán took up the fiddle and was brought to traditional music gatherings around Dublin, throughout the country and, in particular, in their home counties of Clare and Longford. He experienced traditional music as it was played by masters and local performers alike. His visits to County Clare saw him engrossed in the music of the uilleann piper, Willie Clancy and fiddler, Patrick Kelly.
By his teenage years he had emerged as a prodigious fiddler. The radio programme Fleadh Cheoil an Radio, an extended competition program broadcast nationally and which he won as a young man, brought him to national recognition. He would join the successful Castle Ceili Band and cement lifelong friendships with fiddler John Kelly and flute players Mick O'Connor and Michael Tubridy. In 1968, he was invited by Paddy Maloney to join the renowned band The Chieftains. He remained a performing and touring member of the band until his passing.
Though achieving international acclaim and numerous Grammys with the band and bringing stellar Irish music to every corner of the world, Seán was reserved about his gift. Playing in quiet meetings with old friends and family as well as young musicians such as Liam O'Connor brought him as much joy as appearing before international dignitaries.
Throughout his life he welcomed musical influences at every opportunity, learning local tunes and musical nuances. He absorbed Scottish and American fiddle repertoire and delivered both with skill in his own accent. His fiddle playing was abounded in personality. The piping influences of Willie Clancy were overt, and Sean's ingenuity in adapting challenging piping technique onto the fiddle meant that once he drew the bow on a tune, you knew it was him and a masterful performance lay ahead.
His impact on traditional Irish fiddle playing has been so profound that it will never be quite the same again. He rightfully was universally respected and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and fans.