Pat McCarthy is a now a Loughfouder based guitarist, singer / songwriter after a life in education as both a student and a teacher took him to many places in its course.
Having developed an early and keen interest in listening to music of all genres and particularly ballad / traditional and country based on a Kerry background – something musical was bound to click – and it did.
Pat is now preparing to launch his third CD of songs at the Castleisland Community Museum on the coming Thursday night November 14th at 8pm – an event at which he will perform songs from his latest release, Memories – Recalled and Lost.
Third CD Collection
This collection was preceded in 2013 by Call of the Wild and in 2021 by The Spirit of Our Land.
Pat went to school in Dromlegach National School, Duagh and to St. Itas College, Abbeyfeale and finally to De La Salle College , Waterford.
From there he went on to Thomond College, Limerick from where he qualify as a teacher of Physical Education, History and Geography and he spent the following 35 years teaching in Portmarnock Community School in Dublin.
“I was influenced by the ballad and folk scene in Dublin which was thriving in the 1980s and 90s listening to the likes of Luke Kelly, Dublin City Ramblers, Planxty and The Bothy Band.
Song writing for me was and is a response to various experiences – topical or otherwise.,” said Pat.
Tell Me What Happened Yesterday
For example: on this album tracks like Tell Me What Happened Yesterday which, incidentally came third in the Sean McCarthy ballad competition earlier this year, tells the poignant story of a close family member who succumbed to dementia and its dreadful effects.
It’s probably fair to say that most songs tell some sort of story and Pat’s songs like: Locked up in Lockdown; Charing Cross Bridge and Dunblane all have lots to say.
The Ireland of Today?
Track No. 10 is titled The Spirit Of Our Land and the story here is one of remembrance and tribute to the brave men and women who sacrificed all, some with their lives to ensure that future generations would not have to live under a ruthless tyranny.
“Not sure the Ireland of today is what they envisaged,” Pat reflected.
Pat’s launch at Castleisland Community Museum is a free to enter event and he will be accompanied by musicians of his choice and his CDs will be on sale there with complimentary tea / coffee and Barm Brack.
Nelius O’Connor Music Festival
Pat will also appear as a guest on an extensive list of musicians for Knocknagoshel’s Nelius O’Connor Music Festival which runs from Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 15th, 16th and 17th.
There’s an open arms kind of welcome waiting there for musicians, singers and people of all ages and degrees of talent from beginners to those away down the road.
If you’d like to hear Pat, a Kerry man, singing Dublin in my Tears just click here:
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