
Sean has been
involved in music all his life and by his teens had collected
13 All-Ireland medals for singing. His connection with the music
scene continued, playing with Shegui, Reel Union and Arcady. He
has also performed in theatre productions, taking the lead in
Druid's musical presentation of Meriman's poem, 'The Midnight
Court' and in the Abbey production of 'Sheep's Milk On The Boil'.
He made a professional commitment to the music business
in 1994 and his first solo album 'All Heart, No Roses' was released
by C.B.M. The album was a mix of contemporary and traditional
songs, with a leaning toward the old, which Sean learnt from his
grandmother and other elders. He perceives this album as a tribute
to his musical background. It received universal acclaim and was
chosen as Q magazine's Debut Album of the Year in the folk area.
'Turn A Phrase', his second album, was released independently
in 1996. It also contains a mix of old and new songs, but with
a strong emphasis on the new, given a simple treatment. Sean achieved
a new level of popularity, especially in Ireland and America.
Since the release of 'Turn A Phrase', Sean has toured extensively with his band in Ireland, America and Europe, performing songs from his albums, unrecorded material and at least one unaccompanied song - a guaranteed showstopper.
Sean's musical influences are many: "as long as the material is good, the rest doesn't matter", he says. And on 'No Stranger', Sean does what he does best -chooses the finest material and interprets it superbly.
Sean is performing with his sister Delores this year