HUP! Offaly Hall of Fame 2025

The 2025 Tullamore Tradfest Hall of Fame inductee is Paddy Buckley.  Being well know far and wide, Paddy comes from Ballyboy, outside Kilcormac, Co Offaly. Paddy began his musical studies under Michael Moore, who trained many local musicians in the 60s, 70’s and 80’s. From the early age of 15, Paddy was performing on stage in the local dance halls and carnivals. He played on the folk and trad scene all his life, with numerous bands of high renown. He travelled Ireland, England and Europe with Na Síog, a band he formed with his brother Tom and some other local musicians.  

Paddy worked with Comhaltas and encouraged their activities most of his life, being a member of Kilcormac for many years. He was a driving force in the success of four Leinster Fleadhs two Offaly Fleadhs hosted in Kilcormac. In 2000, he headed the committee that launched a new Comhaltas Branch in Ballyboy, which has grown to be very successful. 

He also was influential in the success of the 5 Busking festivals, held in Kilcormac in the 90s. He was chief organizer of the 3 “Dancing with Lunasa” Festivals at Kinnitty Castle Hotel. He anchored the Friday night session in Kinnitty Castle for 12 years from1996 to 2008 with the Kinsella’s and Sean Ryan, a session to where most of Irelands renowned musicians were regular attendees.

Being a massive lover of festivals, he travelled the country to folk and trad festivals nationwide, meeting and playing with a large number of musicians. He attended the first Wille Clancy Festival in Miltown Malbay, County Clare, and still attends to this day. He uses these friendships to encourage bands and musicians to come to the midlands and give local musicians an opportunity to meet and play with them. Paddy has encouraged and developed the tradition of Music, Song and Dance in Offaly all his life and we are hope he will continue to do so for many more years.