Dolores Keane Funeral: Singer Laid to Rest in Galway | RTE News

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Church of St Patrick and St Cuana in Kilcoona, Co Galway, this afternoon to attend the funeral of traditional Irish singer Dolores Keane. The musician, widely celebrated for her contributions to Irish folk music, died peacefully at her home in Caherlistrane on Monday, March 16th, 2026, at the age of 72.

Crowds began arriving at the church several hours before the service, queuing to pay their respects. Among those in attendance were President Catherine Connolly and her predecessor, Michael D Higgins, signifying the national recognition of Keane’s cultural impact. The Taoiseach was represented by his Aide de Camp, Commandant Joseph Glennon.

The funeral mass featured symbols representing Keane’s life and career. An album, a lifetime achievement award acknowledging her musical contributions, a concertina, and a teacup – a reminder of cherished moments with family – were brought to the altar. Musicians, including Finbar Furey and Matt Molloy, travelled to attend, providing musical accompaniment during the service.

In his homily, Chief Celebrant Fr Peter Glennon reflected on the joy music brings and the profound gift Keane shared with audiences. “I don’t believe we can actually absorb how much our small island can be so recognised for its way of life, its traditions and its achievements,” he stated. He described Keane as “a figure of what it stands for to be truly Irish,” acknowledging the depth of her artistic impact and her ability to “capture the hearts of many.”

Fr Glennon, a friend of the Keane family, further emphasized Keane’s humility, stating that “even through all the universal fame, it never changed her as a person.” He highlighted her enduring connection to her roots, noting that it was fitting she was waked at Carragh Cottage, the family home where she first learned her craft and began preserving Irish musical traditions.

Dolores Keane co-founded the influential Irish folk band De Dannan in 1975, becoming a prominent voice in the revival of traditional Irish music. She later pursued a successful solo career, releasing albums such as “A Lion in a Cage” in 1989, which topped the Irish charts and included a protest song dedicated to Nelson Mandela.

Following the mass, Dolores Keane was buried in Donaghpatrick Cemetery. A death notice published on rip.ie stated that donations, if desired, could be made to Ability West, a charity supporting people with disabilities.