For over five decades, the resilient country music legend has graced stages with his heartfelt tunes. Paddy emerged a beacon of resilience and positivity after surviving two harrowing road accidents and bouts of depression. That strength was called on again recently when his wife of 21 years, Ann, was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Thankfully, after a year and a half of treatment and recovery, she is well again. Despite a successful career, Paddy remains grounded and grateful for the music, his unwavering fans and most of all his wife. Here, the couple talk about health and happiness as well as Paddy’s passion for performance and his strong faith.
Paddy, can you take us back to the very beginning of your love for country music? Although I have loved country music for as long as I can remember, it wasn’t until I was 16 that I considered performing it publicly. I became part of a group called The Strangers, and we started playing in the local scene. I worked at the pork and bacon factory in Cappoquin and whenever we were in Killarney for deliveries, I’d make sure to catch the duo Two’s Company if they were performing.
I would often get up and sing a song after boldly putting my own name forward. I loved the excitement and the audience’s reaction. The first song I sang publicly was China Doll by Slim Whitman.
He was known for yodelling, which intrigued me. I tried to develop that skill over the years. Read more: Louise Morrissey on home life with husband Johnny, their w.