By Stevie Connor.
Traditional musician and performer Séamus Begley passed away at the age of 73. He was a West Kerry native and well-known throughout the nation as one of the best accordion players. His family had a strong connection to folk music.
Begley was a native of Dingle’s Gaelic-speaking neighbourhood of Ballydavid. His father was the local accordionist Bhreandáin Bheaglaoich (Brendan Begley Sr). Seamus got his start in music at a young age, and by the time he was fourteen, he was playing the accordion for local dancers.
Following the 1973 release of his debut album with his sister Máire, Begley enjoyed a fruitful career. He performed numerous times all over the world and rose to prominence as a leading figure in the field of traditional music. Begley and Australian guitarist Steve Cooney worked together to produce the ground-breaking album “Meitheal” (1992), which won plaudits from music fans worldwide. Later, he would work with artists like Jim Murray and Tim Edey to produce further albums that garnered accolades. The 73-year-old was a charismatic performer whose quick wit and creative word choice made him stand out.
The Waterboys' Mike Scott said: "The finest of all Irish musicians, and perhaps the most beautiful singer I've ever heard, the great Séamus Ó Beaglaoich, known in the other tongue as Seamus Begley, has passed away.
"He was a friend, a king and a god. Travel on well, great spirit."