Gael Linn is deeply saddened by the passing of Dolores Keane. Dolores recorded some of her early work with her children, Muintir Chatháin (1985), on the Gael Linn label, and with John Faulkner, Sail Óg Rua (1983). With her unique voice, she was able to infuse a unique meaning into the lyrics of songs from her vast repertoire. Her singing style was rooted in the sean-nós tradition of the west of the country. She succeeded in attracting renewed attention to songs from the rich wellspring of her homeland. She earned her reputation as one of the most pioneering singers in Irish traditional music.
The Board and staff of Gael Linn extend their condolences to all her family.
‘Raghad chun coille is caithfead ann deireadh mo shaoil,
San áit ná beidh éinne, ag éisteacht le ceol na n-éan;
Fé bhun an chrainn chaorthainn, mar a bhfásann ann féar go leor,
Ag tabhairt taithneamh don duine úd, ‘sé Jimmy mo mhíle stór.’ (Jimmy Mo Mhíle Stór – Amhrán ón Traidisiún which Dolores sang on the album Sail Óg Rua