Paddy Moloney, founder and leader of the Chieftains passed away Oct. 11 at age 83. He grew up north of Dublin and was a student of uilleann piper, Leo Rowsome. In 1962 he formed the original lineup of the Chieftains. The Chieftains made Irish traditional music famous around the world for over 60 years, and received 6 Grammy awards and 18 nominations.

In an interview for the Patriot Ledger last year, Paddy said,”I’ve written music for films, I’ve already done one documentary, and now I’ve been asked to do another one, and there are two albums in the offering from the record company. I’m very happy and I feel very lucky and it’s been a great, great journey. And I have so much to offer yet. I don’t know where to stop!”

~ Gail