Ciarán Bourke

Ciarán Bourke (18 February 1935—10 May 1988) was an Irish musician and one of the original founding members of the Irish folk band The Dubliners.

Early life

Ciarán Bourke was born in Dublin on 18 February 1935, but lived most of his life in Tibradden, County Dublin. His father, a doctor, was in practice in the city. The children had an Irish-speaking nanny. Ciarán's early exposure to Gaelic continued throughout his education, attending Colaiste Mhuire, Parnell Square, Dublin. He later attended University College Dublin for a course in Agricultural Science. He did not take his degree but always retained an interest in farming.

The Dubliners

After leaving university he met two of his future bandmates in The Dubliners, Ronnie Drew and Barney McKenna, who invited Ciarán to join their sessions in O'Donoghue's Pub where he played tin whistle, mouth organ and guitar, as well as singing. Luke Kelly, who had been singing around the clubs in England, returned to Dublin and joined them; the four gained local popularity. Taking the name The Dubliners, the group put together the first folk concert of its kind in Dublin. The concert was a success, then a theatrical production called “A Ballad Tour of Ireland” was put on at the Gate Theatre shortly afterwards.
In 1964 fiddle player John Sheahan joined the band, and this became known as the original Dubliners line-up.