Reluctant Seamus Begley finds his voice at last

SINGING is an undiscovered country for traditional music icon Seamus Begley. Renowned for his accordion and fiddle playing, the Kerryman is notably less confident in his prowess as vocalist — despite a fine, nuanced crooning style. Indeed, he lives in fear that his voice might leave him down at any moment.

“I never know until I open my mouth whether the voice is there or not,” says Begley, 66.

“I have a very soft singing voice. I can be loud when shouting at the dog or what have you. But not when singing. It’s given me fierce trouble down the years and I’m slightly paranoid about it. I’m always worried about my voice. Sometimes I will take whiskey or honey — whether that is false courage or not, I don’t know.”