Pappy O’Donoghue (born 1946)

Pappy O’Donoghue, born in 1946, is a key figure in the musical heritage of Kilfenora, Co. Clare. The son of Paddy O’Donoghue, Pappy grew up in the music-filled home of Larakea, where his father taught him and his siblings to play and read music.

Pappy became both a drummer and banjo player, and was a core member of the Golden Star Céilí Band, which gained popularity throughout Ireland and England during the 1970s and 1980s.

He married Breda McMahon, a talented singer from Lissycasey, who became the lead vocalist for the Golden Star Band for over 30 years. 

Pappy and Breda made their home in Larakea, where Pappy still lives in the O’Donoghue family home. The family’s strong musical tradition lives on, with their grandchildren now also playing traditional Irish music, continuing the O’Donoghue legacy into a new generation.