Folk singer Dolores Keane’s passing earlier this week came as very sad news. The internationally acclaimed singer, best known for her stunning rendition of the song Caledonia, died peacefully at her home in Co Galway.
From the Keane Family, renowned for their unique sean-nós singing and distinctive interpretations of traditional songs, she was warm-hearted and strong-willed, and open about the many challenges she faced in life.
In a Sunday Independent interview some years ago, she openly recounted a very personal experience – a confrontation she had with a London doctor who advised her to abort one of her children, when it appeared the baby might not be born alive.
Recalling the incident, she said: “He just looked at me and said, ‘I would advise you to abort’”. Describing what happened next, she said: “So I just kicked the chair back and told him, ‘You f**ker! This child is going to be born and he is going to live!’ And I stormed out.”
Thankfully, her baby did survive, but she lamented in the interview that others in similar situations might defer too readily to the doctor’s opinion – the “voice of male authority” as she put it – and take a different course.
She was a formidable, unique, and wonderful talent. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
Dolores was a very talented singer. One of the best best. It is so precious to see a mother defend their unborn child. The evil propreganda influences so many in society today to do the wrong thing. A courageous woman. May Dolores rest in peace
Isn’t it a pity that more women wouldn’t adopt the same approach.
May she rest in peace.
The best female voice. All heart, passion, honesty, no pretence, each song delivered with a divine vocal richness we were so priviliged to hear. And, what a brave lady in the face of cruel arrogance.
I didn’t know this what a great story and I now like her even more she was right to defend her pre born child and I hope it inspires more people to do it