One of a family of nine, his father, Breandán Ó Beaglaoich, owned the local dance hall and was a well-known accordionist.

[3][4] Begley learned his music at home and began playing at the local céilí at the age of 13.

He released his first album, An Ciarraíoch Mallaithe, with his sister Máire in 1973.

[5] Begley and his sister paired up again on Planxtaí Bhaile na bPoc in 1989, the same year he played at the Glastonbury Festival with Steve Cooney.

Begley later partnered with the likes of Jim Murray, Mary Black, Sharon Shannon and Tim Edey, producing further albums.