The Keane family from Co Galway are synonymous with the trad and folk scene here in Ireland.

Dolores and Seán have made their mark not just at home but on the international circuit. Their brother Matt is also well established on the western circuit.

Pat Keane, the senior member of the family, is a late starter when it comes to the album stakes. But the hugely popular gentleman from Caherlistrane is making amends and his debut album, Songs I Like To Sing, is a joy to behold.

Music has been at the heart and soul of the Keane family for many years. It has been abundantly clear to all who attend the regular Keane Brothers Christmas concerts in Claregalway over the last few years that Pat commands a special place in the affections of the followers.

Standing ovations have been part and parcel of Pat’s performances. Another feature of his repertoire is his love for traditional country music. Among his most popular songs at these concerts are numbers associated with Hank Williams and Merle Haggard.

Pat took this on board when recording his new album. Your Cheatin’ Heart and Take These Chains From My Heart are featured here. So, too, is the George Jones classic, He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today.

Come Home Rolling Stone, a country song recorded by Tommy Drennan from Limerick, is shaping up to be one of the hit songs on Pat’s new album.

“I used to sing that song around the house years back and Matt mentioned it to me before I went over to Pat Coyne’s studios in Cong. It all came back to me and I just said I might as well put it down on the album. It’s a grand auld song and I love singing it,” says Pat.

“I’ve always had a special grá for the old country songs as well as the folk songs. So, when I decided at last to record an album, I went for a nice mix of the songs I feel at home with when I sing them. The Lakes of Ponchartrain is a song I sing in the local pubs. The Logger and The Coast of Malabar are other favourites.

“I’ve always loved the Joan Baez song, The Ballad of Joe Hill. Another song I’ve included is Andy’s Gone With Cattle. I first heard it on Kevin Rohan’s programme on Galway Radio, sung by Seán Garvey from down south. There’s something lovely and rural about this Australian song.”

Pat is also delighted to see his daughter Laura make her recording debut with The Dimming of The Day on the album.

“She does a grand job on this song and we are delighted for her,” reflects Pat. “It was so relaxed recording this album with Pat Coyne. We are so grateful to him for his patience and kindness and also to Colm Naughton, Peter Gannon, Fergal Scahill, Ronnie Mangan, Mike Stewart, Suzanne Creaven and my brother Seán for all their help and encouragement.”

Songs I Like To Sing, the debut album from Pat Keane, is now on general release. Copies can also be ordered direct from Pat Keane, Carragh, Caherlistrane, Co Galway.