Cork Profile - Paddy Dennehy

When you were small, what did you want to be as a grown-up? I was a terribly boring child. I planned on being a teacher and a musician from about the age of 6, and I followed through on it.

Tell us about your career progression to your role today: I suppose the biggest progression is that people are showing up to the gigs now! When I first started playing, the only way the shows would be able to go ahead is from the very generous support of family and friends, which I am still so, so grateful for. There seems to be a bit of a following there now.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of what you do? Chatting to people after a show and thanking them for coming. I'm absolutely horrible at accepting compliments, but once we get over that conversational speedbump, it's great to hear what other people are listening to and get some recommendations from them. Essentially, just sharing a mutual love of music.

What motivates you? That feeling you get when you finish a song, and you know it's finished and you know it's good.

What advice would you give your 15 year old self? Don't learn classical piano, take the jazz grades. The guys I know who did are all much better players than me now.

If you weren’t in the job you have, what would you be doing? Some other form of teaching.

What is your greatest life or career achievement to-date? Probably playing ‘The Late Late Show’.

Who has had the biggest influence on you in your life? My parents, by a country mile.

What is the life dream now? Keep gigging and bigger gigs. I'm very easy to please.

How do you switch off? Pick a forest, go and walk the dog there.

What is your favourite Cork memory? Doing the loop at Sheep's Head.

What is your favourite place in Cork? Sonflour.

When are you at your happiest? The hour after writing something really good.

What is your hidden talent? Patience.

What might we be surprised to know about you? I'm not telling you!

Anything else you’d like to share with us? Tour dates! Paddy plays Coughlan’s on 28 May at 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

Factfile

Name: Paddy Dennehy, singer songwriter

Age: 31

Lives: Wilton

Family: Mother, father, 2 sisters and a brother.

Pets: Not if my landlord is reading this.

Favourite thing about Cork: SonFlour Restaurant, Coughlan’s Bar and West Cork!

Least favourite thing about Cork: Getting through the Jack Lynch Tunnel after 4pm.

One thing you’d change about Cork: I’d love the buses to run a little later!