A son of traditional musician Johnny Connolly of Inis Bearachain,[1] Connemara, Connolly began playing the accordion aged nine, learning from his father and Micheal Mheáirt Ó Coisdealbha.
Two years later he was the winner of the Slógadh and Fleadh Ceoil All-Ireland on the button accordion.
Aged fourteen, he joined Na h-Ancairí, featuring singer John Beag Ó Flatharta, playing in the band for eight years.
In 1994 he joined the Seán Keane Band, performing widely in Europe and North America.
Some of his compositions have been recorded by his father, as well as the duo Michael Rooney and June McCormack.