Paddy O’Donoghue (1910-1985)

Paddy O’Donoghue of Larakea, Kilfenora, was a central figure in the musical heritage of North Clare, both through his own playing and through the remarkable musical family he raised.

In his earlier years, Paddy was a member of the Kilfenora Brass and Reed Band, where he played the fife. His strong musical foundation extended to his home life, where he taught his six children to play instruments and read music, ensuring that the next generation carried on the tradition.

Paddy married a woman from Kilnamona, who played the concertina and bodhrán, further enriching the musical environment in their home.

Paddy was a key early member of the Golden Star Céilí Band, a group that maintained strong ties to Kilfenora and the broader North Clare area. In its heyday during the 1970s and 1980s, the Golden Star Band became a fixture at marquee dances across the West of Ireland, playing at major festivals in Clare, Kerry, Galway, and Mayo, and even touring England.

The band featured several of Paddy’s children: Ray, Pappy, Charlotte, Angela, Eileen, and Maureen O’Donoghue, alongside other musicians such as John and Jimmy Clancy and Michael Davoran. Paddy himself toured with the band for many years, enriching its performances with his steady musicianship and deep knowledge of the tradition.