Ciarán's early exposure to Irish continued throughout his education, attending Colaiste Mhuire, Parnell Square, Dublin.

After leaving university he met two of his future bandmates in The Dubliners, Ronnie Drew and Barney McKenna, who invited Ciarán to join their sessions in O'Donoghue's Pub where he played tin whistle, mouth organ and guitar, as well as singing.

Ciarán was responsible for bringing a Gaelic element to The Dubliners' music with songs such as "Peggy Lettermore" and "Sé Fáth Mo Bhuartha" being performed in the Irish language.

The roadie for the trip, John Corry, thought that it was better to drive straight to St George's Hospital in London, where the doctors diagnosed a brain aneurysm.

Ciarán was transferred to the Atkinson Morley Hospital in Wimbledon, while doctors waited for his wife to return from a trip to Ghana, to get her signature before operating.

Despite his lingering paralysis he recited "The Lament for Brendan Behan" after which everyone in the studio, led by Ronnie Drew, sang "The Auld Triangle".

), Rathfíonna, Saoirse and Seodhna and nine grandchildren Benn, Ceoladh, Jack, Clara, Aoibh, Cairo, Ríona, Phoenix and Daire.