Patsy Watchorn’s journey through life reads like a ballad, weaving together the melodies of his music with the rhythm of his heart. Born and raised inCrumlin, Dublin, Patsy’s childhood was infused with Irish tradition. From his father’s fiddle to his mother’s singing, music was the backdrop to his formative years.
Growing up in Crumlin wasn’t without its challenges, but Patsy’s love for his community and its vibrant spirit kept him grounded. “Crumlin was more than just a place to me,” he reflects, “It was home, a sanctuary where every corner held a memory and every street echoed with laughter.”
Patsy attended the local Christian Brothers school. Reflecting on those days, he recalls with candour, “I wasn’t mad about it, to be honest with you.” The educational environment, characterised by its stern discipline, was not always easy for young Patsy and his peers. However, despite the strictness of the Brothers, Patsy found solace and joy in his passion for sports, particularly hurling. “They were very severe on us,” he reflects, “but they usually spared me the leather strap, fearing any hand injuries that might hinder my hurling skills.” His love for hurling was deeply rooted in his upbringing, having learned the sport in his mother’s hometown of Abbeyleix, where hurling was more than just a game—it was a way of life.
Following his formative years at the Christian Brothers school, Patsy continued his education at Ard Scoil Eanna, located on the Crumlin Road. The transition proved to be a positive one for Patsy, who found the atmosphere at Ard Scoil Eanna markedly different from his earlier schooling experience. “They were very good to me,” he recalls fondly, highlighting the supportive environment that nurtured his academic and personal growth. In addition to hurling, Patsy’s sporting endeavours extended to soccer, where he showcased his skills playing for various local teams including Herberton, Mount Pleasant, and Inchicore
Patsy’s musical journey began in the late ’60s with The Quare Fellas, a group of young lads with a passion for music. “We were just a bunch of mates with a knack for a good tune,” he recalls with a grin. Their humble beginnings soon gave way to the birth of the Dublin City Ramblers, where Patsy’s soulful voice took center stage. Hits like “The Rare Ould Times” and “The Ferryman” catapulted the Ramblers to fame, earning them a devoted following both at home and abroad.
Patsy Watchorn penned and performed the anthem for the Irish Football Team during their European Championship campaign in Germany and the World Cup in Italy in 1990. Titled “We are the Boys in Green,” the song was recorded with The Dublin City Ramblers for their “Home & Away Album.”
In 2005, Patsy embarked on a new chapter of his musical odyssey when he joined the legendary folk band, The Dubliners. “It was like stepping into a dream,” he admits, “To follow in the footsteps of my idols was an honour beyond words.” His time with The Dubliners solidified his status as a folk icon, with electrifying performances and soul-stirring recordings that left audiences spellbound.
Beyond the stage, Patsy’s heart beats with a passion for giving back. Whether supporting local charities or lending his voice to global causes, he’s a beacon of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. “Music is my life, but so is making a difference,” he says with conviction. “If I can bring a smile to someone’s face or ease their burden, then I’ve done my job.”
Patsy has three daughters: Lorraine, Carol and Tracey.
As Patsy looks to the future, his spirit remains undaunted. “I’ve had my share of highs and lows,” he acknowledges, “But as long as there’s a song to be sung and a story to be told, I’ll keep on going.” With his trademark charm and dedication, Patsy Watchorn continues to inspire, proving that the power of music knows no bounds.
