Dolores Keane on her career, cancer, alcoholism and split from partner of 20 years

The legendary Irish folk singer entertained legions of fans across the world over the years but also had to overcome very difficult hardships in her personal life

Dolores Keane is one of Ireland’s most celebrated folk singers, and she’s sadly passed away at 72 years of age.

The Galway native was one of he founding members of folk group De Dannan but also enjoyed major success as a solo artist.

Despite an incredible singing career, Dolores also dealt with serious hardships in life.

She battled with breast cancer and alcoholism and had previously spoken about how she struggles with living alone.

Dolores was married once and also ended a long-term relationship after 20 years.

Singing career

Dolores founded Irish trad band De Dannan in the 1970s.

The group quickly gained international fame and particularly enjoyed success in the US, where they spent a lot of time touring.

Dolores left the band in 1976 and was replaced by Andy Irvine.

Shortly after, she joined forces with musician John Faulkner, whom she would go on to marry, and pursued a solo career.

Dolores has five solo albums to her name, as well as three with De Dannan and another three under her partnership with John Faulkner.

Her bestselling hits include Caledonia, Galway Bay, The Island and Never Be The Sun.

Family life

Dolores is mum to children Joseph and Tara, whom she welcomed with ex-husband John Faulkner and former partner Barry Farmer respectively.

Dolores and John married in 1987 and welcomed son Joseph, who suffers from Bardet-Biedl syndrome, a condition which causes obesity and failing vision, together. Their marriage ended in 1988.

Dolores went on to find love with Barry Farmer, and they welcomed daughter Tara together in 1994.

However, their relationship ended in 2013 after 20 years together.

“I have never seen him since. Nor heard from him,” Dolores told the Irish Independent back in 2014.

She cited her struggles with alcoholism as one of the reasons they split up.

“I was not a nice person. You know? It couldn’t have been easy for him.

“I hold no animosity towards Bazza – or indeed anyone. If I met him tomorrow morning the first thing I’d do is go down on my two knees and beg his forgiveness.”

“I was drunk most of the time. I don’t know. I suppose I was never there for him.”

Alcoholism

Dolores suffered from depression and has struggled with alcoholism, to the extent that she halted making music and touring to try to come to terms with these illnesses.

In the summer of 2013, she went into the Hope House, a centre for addiction in Mayo and previously said spending three weeks there saved her life.

Dolores didn’t realise she had a problem with drinking until it was brought to her attention.

She told Marty Whelan on Lyric FM earlier this year: “I was also the last person to realise I was an alcoholic. I didn’t know the effects that drinking was having on me until other people pointed it out to me.

“I started slurring my words while singing on stage and then I thought I better do something about this. I actually didn’t realise I was an alcoholic.”

Breast cancer

Dolores was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago.

Early detection was key in the singer’s case and she thankfully made a full recovery.