Sean McCarthy (1923 - 1990), a native of Finuge, County Kerry, Ireland, was an Irish songwriter. He was born one of 10 children, on 5 July 1923.[1] He wrote ballads including "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.[2]
"Poet, author, folklorist and traditional music aficionado" Mattie Lennon wrote a play about the life and works of Sean McCarthy entitled "And All his Songs Were Sad".[3] It was produced by the Pantagleize Theatre Company in Fort Worth, Texas October 2010. It received a poor local review.[4]
A festival in honour of McCarthy is held every August in his home village of Finuge.[5] The festival includes ballad and story writing competitions. Finuge has one of the oldest surviving authentic thatched cottages in Ireland, estimated to be at least 300 years old.[6] The house, Sheahan's Thatched Cottage is owned by the Festival Committee.[7]