~ Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann ~   Boston              

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   CCE Northeast Regional Hall of Fame Inductee 

Fergus Keane - Accordion, Melodeon, Tin Whistle, Fiddle

John Keane - (flute)

     Fergus Keane          ~~                John Keane

Inducted to its The Hall of Fame by

      Fergus Keane (accordion, melodeon, tin whistle, fiddle) was born in Aughnish, Co. Clare to Patrick and Nora Keane. He came from a family rich in tradition and blessed with great musical talent. His father "Patin" was a legendary singer and musician, and his mother, Nora, was well known for her lilting and set dancing. Growing up, Fergus always accompanied his father when he went to play at house dances, weddings and funerals, and Fergus knew then, he says, that he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps, keeping traditional music alive.

   At a young age, Fergus was taught the tin whistle by his schoolteacher Kieran Moylan, and he later picked up melodeon and fiddle—but accordion was what he enjoyed most. He spent endless hours listening to Kieran MacMathuna's radio program, gaining inspiration from Jimmy McGreevey, Raymond Roland, Joe Cooley, and James Keane.

    Fergus married Maureen Conroy from Tiernee, Co. Galway, a box player herself Their three grown children—Fergus, Jr., John and Una—are all accomplished musicians. Fergus hopes his grandchildren will continue to celebrate their heritage through music and dance. In 1986, the year they immigrated to Boston, the family had the good fortune of meeting Larry Reynolds at the North American Convention. Fergus has been playing with the Boston Comhaltas, the Boston Comhaltas Ceili Band, and the Reynolds family faithfully ever since, and looks forward to sharing many more tunes with his great friend Larry for years to come.

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   John Keane (flute) was born and raised in Aughnish, Co. Clare. In the early 70s be began playing the tin whistle, and says that he picked up the flute along the way. John's father, Fergus, an accomplished button accordionist, introduced him to the traditional Irish music. The family emigrated to the U.S. in 1986, residing in Massachusetts. Fortunately coming to the Boston area, John had the chance to continue to hear and learn from native Irish musicians there: Larry Reynolds, Jimmy Hogan, Brendan Tonra, Seamus Connolly, Tommy Sheridan, his own father Fergus Keane, and many more. He also had the privilege and pleasure of playing at many sessions, ceilis, festivals and on cruises, with great bands such as The Fergus Keane Ceili Band, The Boston Comhaltas Ceili Band, and The Mike Reynolds Band. In addition, he has been a longtime member of the Hanafin-Cooley Branch of Boston, led by Larry Reynolds.

   John lives in Attleboro, Massachusetts with his loving wife Maribeth, family and friends.

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