Moloney created group with original lineup of Seán Potts, Martin Fay, David Fallon and Mick Tubridy
Paddy Moloney, the founder of The Chieftains, has died.
Originally from Donneycarney, in north Co Dublin, Moloney was from a musical family and began playing the tin whistle and uilleann pipes when he was young.
After he left school he took a job with Baxendales, a large building firm, to support his musical hobby, and it was here he met his future wife, Rita O’ Reilly.
He formed several groups with other musicians in duets and trios, and in 1962 he founded The Chieftains alongside the original lineup of Seán Potts, Martin Fay, David Fallon and Mick Tubridy.
The Chieftains went on to become one of the best-known Irish traditional groups in the world, winning six Grammys as well as a number of other awards.
In 1968, having recorded a number of albums with The Chieftains, Moloney decided to leave Baxendales to work full time in the music industry as the managing director of Claddagh Records.
He ran the label for seven years, until 1975, during which time he helped to develop Claddagh’s catalogue and also a market for it. During this time he also produced, coproduced or supervised 45 albums for the Claddagh label in folk, traditional, classical, poetry and spoken-word recordings.
Very sad news for those of us who enjoy the unique experience of Irish music. You can always tell an artist who doesn’t simply play music but feels it deep inside and that music and feeling flows out thru their instrument to touch all who hear it. Paddy was such an artist and we were privileged to listen and share those feelings. My family’s deepest sympathies to his family, fellow musicians and friends. There is solace to be found that the music will live on in recordings and videos.