Keane, Dolores

Dolores Keane (1953 - 2026) traditional folk singer from County Galway.

Born in Sylane County Galway to Matthew and Bridie Keane, Dolores Keane was sent to live with her paternal aunts at the age of four, when one of her sisters died from TB (Tuberculosis).

Sarah and Rita Keane from Caherlistrane were well known sean-nós singers and musicians and passed on their knowledge of traditional singing and repertoire of songs to their niece. Her uncle Paddy taught Dolores Keane to play the tin whistle and flute.

The many visiting musicians she encountered growing up were also an influence. During her teenage years she entered fleadhanna ceoil (regional and national traditional music competitions).

Dolores Keane was a founder member of the folk group De Danann in 1975, which enjoyed national and international success.

A solo career followed, and she released her first album 'There Was A Maid' in 1978. This was followed by three albums recorded with her husband John Faulkner - 'Broken Hearted I'll Wander' (1979), 'Farewell to Éirinn' (1981) and 'Sail Óg Rua' (1983).

Her eponymous 1988 album features Dougie MacLean's Scottish ballad 'Caledonia' released and is perhaps the song for which she is best known. That same year she collaborated with singer songwriter Johnny Duhan on the soundtrack LP for the film 'Reefer And The Model'.

'Lion in a Cage', written by John Faulkner about the imprisonment of Nelson Mandela was another chart hit in Ireland.

In 1992 'Caledonia' was one of the twelve tracks sung by six female Irish singers on the compilation album 'A Woman's Heart' which went on to break the record as the best selling Irish album of all time in the Irish charts.

Other albums released in the nineties include 'Solid Ground', 'Tideland' and 'Night Owl'.

A popular live performer with an expressive, distinctive voice, Dolores Keane also pursued an acting career.

Among the many singers she collaborated with were Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Paul Brady and Nanci Griffith. She spoke candidly in media interviews about her health challenges and struggles with addiction.

In 2022 she received the TG4 Lifetime Achievement Award, and the University of Galway awarded her an honorary doctorate in 2024.