Cathal Flaherty
editCathal Flaherty is an Irish Musician, Singer & Radio Presenter.
Early Life
editCathal Sean Flaherty was born on 13 May 1993 in Portiuncula Hospital, Co. Galway, Ireland. After his father left when he was 1, Cathal his sister Aislinn and their mother Orlaith moved from their home in Athlone, Co. Westmeath back to his mother’s native town of Killarney, Co. Kerry aged 4.
Cathal attended “The Mon” all boys primary school before moving on to secondary school at St. Brendan’s College, Killarney.
Flaherty received his first guitar from his grandmother on his 11th birthday and shortly after that wrote his first song. He received some lessons after that but is largely self-taught through music magazines and learning songs from the internet.
Career
editCathal's career began when he auditioned for the All Ireland Talent Show in September 2009.[1] He was a runner up on the show. After this he began gigging steadily around his hometown. He went on to support a host of Irish bands and singers including Jack Lukeman, Mundy, Paddy Casey, Delorentos, Little Hours and Christy Dignam. He also support Bonnie Tyler and Tears for Fears in the Gleneagle INEC Arena, Killarney.
In 2014 Cathal began presenting 2 shows on Radio Kerry - 'Into the Night' weeknights from 10pm and 'Fresh' Saturdays from 6pm. In 2019 he left his post on 'Into the Night' after 3 and a half years.
He released his debut singe 'A Thousand Miles' in December 2017 which was played regularly RTE Radio 1, Today FM, Spin South West, Radio Kerry & Beat 102 103 . It was also featured as Eoghan McDermotts 'Track of the Week' on RTE 2FM and was the most played song 2 months in a row on Corks C103.
He went on to release his Debut EP 'The Head & Heart' in May 2019 which went to number 5 in the iTunes album charts and number 2 in the iTunes pop charts.
'A Thousand Miles' was selected as a finalist in the International Songwriting Contest 2018.[2]
In 2019 Cathal embarked on an Irish tour including dates in Whelan's Dublin, The INEC Acoustic Club and a sold out show in Mike the Pies, Listowel. He has also played dates in the UK, Germany and Canada.
Other work
editCathal has his own podcast in conjunction with the Gleneagle INEC Arena interviewing acts as they appear in the infamous concert venue. Guests on series one completed in January 2020 included Picture This, Gavin James, Danny O' Reilly, Nathan Carter, Keith Barry and Junior Brother. Season 2 is due in 2021.
Cathal is also the brand ambassador for Killarney Credit Union.