Shawn Cuddy

Born on 2 May 1963 in Camross, Portlaoise, County Laois, Eire, Cuddy was the oldest of eleven siblings raised in a household filled with constant country music. Following his departure from school, he took a position as an attendant at Mountmellick Hospital. In 1981, drawing inspiration from Margo and Big Tom, he started a country band alongside sisters Elizabeth and Martina. Once his siblings stepped away, he carried on alone. A bank loan funded his debut single, and “Little Nell” secured enough radio exposure to top RTE’s country chart, prompting him to turn professional as a performer. Shortly thereafter he assembled his own band and began working the country club and theatre circuit across Ireland and the UK. Tours with Foster And Allen followed, along with a stint as support act for Johnny Cash on a British run. Signing with Harmac Records in 1992 brought notable success via his version of Jerry Hanlon’s “The Calling (Home)”. His relaxed approach accommodates both contemporary country material such as “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and Irish standards like “The Village Where I Went To School,” though he records fewer Irish numbers than many peers. He has since become recognized among the leading Irish country vocalists.