Sean McCarthy: podcast appearances and interviews

Sean McCarthy (1923–1990) was an Irish songwriter born in Finuge, County Kerry. As one of ten children, he developed a reputation for composing ballads such as Step It Out Mary, Shanagolden, Red Haired Mary, In Shame Love In Shame, and Highland Paddy. In 1973, a collection of his songs was published in Listowel, County Kerry. McCarthy's work was celebrated within his community, and a festival dedicated to him is held every August in Finuge. The festival features ballad and story writing competitions and honors his legacy. Among the notable local landmarks associated with the festival is Sheahan's Thatched Cottage, an approximately 300-year-old structure recognized as one of Ireland's oldest surviving authentic thatched cottages and owned by the festival committee. McCarthy’s life and songs have inspired artistic responses, including a play titled And All His Songs Were Sad, penned by poet, author, folklorist, and traditional music enthusiast Mattie Lennon. The play was produced by the Pantagleize Theatre Company in Fort Worth, Texas, in October 2010, though it received a mixed review. McCarthy's contribution to Irish traditional music and songwriting remains celebrated locally and through various commemorations.