Ciarán Bourke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ciarán Bourke
Background information
Born	18 February 1935 Dublin, Ireland
Died	10 May 1988 (aged 53) Dublin, Ireland
Genres	Irish folk
Occupation(s)	Singer, guitarist
Years active	1962–1974 (The Dubliners)
Associated acts	The Dubliners

Ciarán Bourke (born February 18, 1935 – died May 10, 1988) was an Irish musician. He was one of the first members of the famous Irish folk band, The Dubliners.

Who Was Ciarán Bourke?

Early Life and Music

Ciarán Bourke was born in Dublin, Ireland. He grew up mostly in a place called Tibradden. His father was a doctor. Ciarán had a nanny who spoke Irish, so he learned the language from a very young age.

He went to an Irish-speaking school and later studied farming at University College Dublin. Even though he didn't finish his degree, he always loved farming.

After university, Ciarán met two musicians who would become his bandmates: Ronnie Drew and Barney McKenna. They invited him to play music with them in a pub called O'Donoghue's. Ciarán played the tin whistle, mouth organ, and guitar. He also sang.

Becoming The Dubliners

Soon, Luke Kelly joined the group. He had been singing in England and came back to Dublin. The four musicians became very popular in Dublin. They decided to call themselves The Dubliners.

The group then put on the first folk music concert of its kind in Dublin. It was a big success! After that, they performed in a theatre show called "A Ballad Tour of Ireland."

In 1964, a fiddle player named John Sheahan joined the band. This group of five became known as the original and classic lineup of The Dubliners.

Ciarán's Special Contributions

Ciarán Bourke brought a special Irish touch to The Dubliners' music. He sang many songs in the Irish language, like "Peggy Lettermore." This helped share Irish culture through their music.

He also sang many of the band's funny and lighthearted songs. Some of these included "Jar of Porter" and "Mrs. McGrath." Ciarán also performed patriotic songs, like "Roddy McCorley."

Ciarán's Later Years

Facing Health Challenges

In 1974, The Dubliners were on tour. Ciarán became very unwell during a concert in England. He was taken to a hospital in London. Doctors found that he had a serious brain injury.

He had an operation, but it left him paralyzed on his left side. He was also confused about what had happened. Ciarán worked very hard to get better. He went to a special clinic for therapy.

He was determined to rejoin The Dubliners. He even went on a tour to Germany later that year. However, the tour was too much for him, and he had to return home for his health.

Last Public Performance

Ciarán Bourke made his last public appearance in 1987. It was on an Irish TV show called The Late Late Show. The show was celebrating The Dubliners.

Even with his paralysis, Ciarán recited a poem called "The Lament for Brendan Behan." After his performance, everyone in the studio, led by Ronnie Drew, sang "The Auld Triangle." It was a very special moment.

Ciarán Bourke passed away on May 10, 1988, after his long illness. The band continued to pay him from 1974 until his death. They did not add a new member to the group until after he passed away.

Personal Life

Ciarán Bourke married Jeannie Bonham on April 5, 1964. They had six daughters together.