Allireland champion singer patrick otoole from clare island launches debut album
One of Mayo’s most highly regarded and talented traditional singers, Clare Island native Patrick O’Toole, will launch his debut album entitled Clare Island of Yore this coming Saturday night, December 13, at Clare Island Community Centre at 9 p.m.
An All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann champion, Patrick is a kind and unassuming man and this quality of gentleness comes across beautifully in his new album, which was produced and recorded by Irish TV.
Growing up on Clare Island, Patrick was influenced by a host of great traditional singers and storytellers on the island, but it was his mother Mary who nurtured his repertoire.
He explained: “My father James sadly passed away when I was just a year old, leaving my mother to raise myself and my three sisters, Kathleen, Tess and Mary. My mother was an Inishturk native and she lived until she was 99 years of age, which was a great achievement.
“When I got a new song I always performed it for her in the kitchen to get approval before ever singing it in public. If she didn’t like the story or the words in the song she let it be known and that was the end of it - and to be honest she was always right.”
A farmer and fisherman by trade, Patrick always loved nature and his songs on his new album reflect that close connection to the land. Patrick purchased his first song from a travelling man at a fair day in Louisburgh when he was just 12 years of age. “I liked the air and story to the song and after some negotiations we agreed on six pence for the song sheet. The song I bought was ‘Down Erin’s Lovely Lee’ and I certainly got good value for it as I have been singing that song now for over 60 years,” he joked.
Patrick has included two of his own compositions on the album - title track ‘Clare Island of Yore’ and ‘An April Day’. “Walking along the cliffs and watching the sun dance on the sea or if I’m herding sheep on the mountain with my dog, Breeze, I often think of a few lines and put an air to them. If they stick, then I might scribble them down when I get home,” said Patrick.
His extensive range of songs have given great pleasure to entranced listeners for many years and it is hoped that this new recording will now bring his singing to an even wider audience. “I have met some of the nicest and most interesting people at sessions and competitions up and down the country over the years. I have sang songs and exchanged songs in every corner of the country at this stage,” he said.
Renowned singer and musician Meaití Jó Shéamuis Ó Fátharta from RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltacha will perform the official launch of Patrick’s album on Saturday at Clare Island Community Centre and everyone is welcome to attend on the night.