Dolores & The Keanes at Carragh Cottage is a feature length special docu-music programme recreating the magic and mystery of the music of Dolores Keane and the Keane family, drawing from the deep and rich well of music that lies within the walls of the original family home of Carragh Cottage.
The Cottage is where Dolores' aunts, Rita & Sarah Keane, lived and where Dolores was raised and learned her wealth of amazing folk songs. Many well- known singers visited Rita & Sarah to learn from them and it was always a ceilí house and we are delighted to bring together, under one roof, an eclectic collection of Ireland’s most famous folk artists, all of whom have a genuine connection to Dolores.
In celebration of an extraordinary talent, where it came from and those whom it touched, we trace Dolores’ career and life through the songs performed by family and guests and also with interviews of those who took inspiration from Dolores and her musical heritage.
The family members who have contributed to this are brothers Seán and Matt, her sister Theresa, nieces Orflaith, Laura, Anne Marie, Caroline and Eileen, all fine singers and musicians in their own right, each bringing something unique to the table.
There will also be contributions from her grandniece, Ellie May, bridging three generation within the one room, with the music itself extending back through Sarah and Rita and the generation before that with their mother May and The Keane Ceilí Band dating back to the 1920’s.
Other well-known artists contributing are Mick Hanly, Tommy Sands, John Faulkner, Frankie Gavin and Paul Brady.
Dolores Keane has one of those rare and immediately identifiable voices. Earthy, natural, soulful, organic, unforced, warm and musical, she means what she sings. When we think of, for example – Paul Brady’s The Island, or her 1988 recording of Dougie MacLean’s Caledonia, we understand that talent and her amazing legacy. As Nanci Griffith said – "Dolores Keane, the queen of the soul of Ireland, has a sacred voice".
Alongside these unique family and guest performances, through candid interviews with both herself, her family and fellow artists, we have gained an invaluable insight into her musical and personal life, the trials and tribulations of being on the road, her demons and the huge regard in which she is held by so many.
Dolores @ 70, Wednesday 14 August 9.35pm RTÉ ONE.
