Séamus Begley is one of the country’s finest accordion players who have charmed the world with his soothing voice. His father was the esteemed accordionist Bhreandáin Bheaglaoich and Begley had performed since he was a teenager.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, fellow musician, and friend Donal Lunny described Begley as “a larger-than-life figure” and said that his death “leaves a huge void” in the world of traditional music.
“He was a natural entertainer. There was no real division between his daily life and being on stage. He always performed in a most natural way… I think everyone is suddenly aware of the huge place Séamus occupied in the soul of the country.”
Sharon Shannon described Begley as an ‘Amazing singer’.
“He had the ability to lift the roof of any pub or house in which he was playing. Then, he had the most beautiful singing voice – effortless and calm.
“He was also brilliant craic, he had a very quick wit. You’d be belly-laughing in his company he was good for your health.”
