Following his departure after 10 years from Radio Kerry which coincided with the arrival of his son, I decided to catch up with one of Killarney's most popular musicians, Cathal Flaherty, to chat about his band 'Fake Friends', his work at the INEC as a Project Manager and Booking Agent, life as a parent with his partner Jordie and their newborn baby boy Kian and how he fits it all in!

Developing a passion for music at a young age, Cathal started playing guitar and writing songs in his early teens and honed his skills by performing at local venues and open mic nights.

This resulted from a musical performance at St Brendan's College where Kevin O'Sullivan (O'Sullivan Sound Systems) asked 'would you ever think of playing in local bars?'

His first gig was in the oldest, family-run bar in Killarney, Charlie Foleys at the tender age of 16.

Cathal cites bands like The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Bon Iver as major influences on his music.

As the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for Fake Friends, with band member Patrick Kelly, Cathal's lyrics often explore themes of youth, identity, and relationships, set against a backdrop of catchy indie rock melodies and driving rhythms.

He has been praised for his dynamic and expressive singing style, as well as his skilful guitar playing.

“I began working for Radio Kerry straight out of college hosting my show 'Fresh at the Weekend' in 2014.

"I worked nights midweek also, airing mostly out of the Tralee studio. I've always had an ear for music and a keen interest in Irish artists as well as a love for performance myself.

"I do miss it but with a new baby on the way, I wanted to be present with Jordie from the get-go, for the arrival of my little boy Kian. The door was left open for me at Radio Kerry, so I look forward to returning when the time is right” Cathal said.

So, taking Radio Kerry out of the equation Cathal, your schedule is still quite hectic!

"I know you perform solo at Pig's Lane on Thursday and Saturday evenings, tell me about your work at the INEC and your plans for Fake Friends... and baby Kian?' 

“I've been working at the INEC for four years as a Project Manager and Booking Agent. Generally, my work is behind the scenes midweek, but I also work some weekends. I'm currently working on upcoming gigs for Lyra, King Fisher and Knee Cap.

"December is a particularly busy month, putting things in place for a fantastic lineup of events – Gavin James, The Coronas, and Block Rocking Beats to name just a few. I mainly work with agents in Ireland and the UK. We attend the International Live Music Conference in London regularly to meet with many agents, book acts and promote the INEC as a destination venue so close to Kerry and Cork Airports."

“As a musician, I found the pandemic particularly difficult, so I threw myself into songwriting. Together with Patrick Kelly, from Carlow, Fake Friends was born.

"We've since signed a three-year recording contract with Song City and a €300,000 deal with AMA Music Agency, who have represented major talents globally for over the last 25 years, for bands like The Coronas, Aslan, Ryan Sheridan, Paddy Casey etc. We visit the studio regularly on Westmorland Street, Dublin to record.

"We performed at Whelan's, Dublin, the night before the All-Ireland semi-final against Derry last year. Larry from AMA was present and contacted us on Monday with a deal. We were thrilled!! Our new single 'Better' is due out on September 13."

“Kian has a very cool date of birth, 24.7.24, born at Limerick Maternity Hospital, weighing in at 7lbs 3oz. Jordie and I are besotted.

"It's taken a while to sink in that I'm a dad, we are parents and I can't imagine life without him,” Cathal said.

Cathal's words took me back to holding the birth cert of my firstborn, the surreal feeling, the shock of responsibility, accompanying high hopes, together with the absolute joy of delivering a brand-new human into the world!

“I am so thankful to Jordie for everything. She has been amazing, especially the unconditional support she's given me over the last year with Fake Friends, throughout her pregnancy, which can't have been easy” Cathal concluded.

“So, will Kian be following in your footsteps?

"A similar career in music perhaps?” I had to ask.

“I'd love him to do better me! I will certainly teach him how to play the guitar and sing a little, that's a given, but I'd prefer he did a stint in Trinity or the like first, then he can choose whatever path he so wishes.

"'Fake Friends' have a very special gig in the pipeline. Hoping to announce it very soon. I'm a little anxious about it but I'm excited to have a brand-new supporter in Kian and the fantastic backing of my hometown Killarney as always."