Edward McGuire RHA (1932-1986)
Paddy Moloney (Piper)
Oil on board, 82 x 61cm (32¼ x 24")
Signed with initials and dated ‘82; signed, inscribed and dated 1982 verso

Provenance: Sale, these rooms, where...

Edward McGuire RHA (1932-1986)
Paddy Moloney (Piper)
Oil on board, 82 x 61cm (32¼ x 24")
Signed with initials and dated ‘82; signed, inscribed and dated 1982 verso

Provenance: Sale, these rooms, where purchased by the present owners

Paddy Moloney was a legendary musician, composer, and founder of the traditional Irish music group, The Chieftains. Born on August 1, 1938, in Donnycarney, Dublin, Moloney began his musical journey at a young age when he learned to play the tin whistle, flute, and uilleann pipes.

Moloney’s passion for traditional Irish music led him to form The Chieftains in 1962 with a group of talented musicians who shared his love for the genre. Initially, the band played in local pubs and clubs, but soon gained a reputation for their unique sound and exceptional musicianship. In 1968 and having recorded a number of albums with The Chieftains, Paddy decided to work full time in the music industry initially as the Managing Director of the Hon. Garech Browne’s  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, co-produced or supervised 45 albums for the Claddagh label in folk, traditional, classical, poetry and spoken word recordings.

 

Over the years, The Chieftains went on to become one of the most successful and influential traditional Irish bands of all time. With Moloney at the helm, they released more than 40 albums, collaborated with artists from various genres, and won multiple Grammy awards. He also played a key role in the revival of the uilleann pipes, an Irish bagpipe instrument that was on the brink of extinction in the mid-20th century. Despite his success, Moloney remained humble and dedicated himself to preserving traditional Irish music for future generations. He inspired countless musicians around the world with his innovative approach to traditional music. In addition to his work with The Chieftains, Moloney has also composed music for films, including ‘Barry Lyndon’ and ‘The Grey Fox’. In recognition of his contributions to music, Moloney was honoured with numerous awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Irish Music Rights Organization and the National Concert Hall Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin in 2019. Paddy Moloney died in October 2021.

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