14 Facts About Brendan Shine

Brendan Shine was born on 2 June 1947 and is an Irish folk and country singer, television presenter and accordion player from Athlone.

Brendan Shine has achieved 40 chart singles in Ireland and 5 Irish number one singles, and is best known for his songs about everyday Irish life, such as "Do You Want Your Old Lobby Washed Down" and "Spuds".

Brendan Shine set up a pub in Baylough in Athlone, across from St Comans Park, calling it 'Shine's Bar' and it was run by his wife.

Brendan Shine has released more than fifty albums and has had over forty-five hit singles.

Brendan Shine began his music career by playing in his father's country band while still at school, and in Kieran Kelly's Ceili Band along with schoolfriend Johnny Dawson.

Brendan Shine originally made his name as an accordionist before taking up singing and becoming one of Ireland's best-known entertainers.

Brendan Shine performed this song to Pope John Paul II when the Pope visited Ireland.

Brendan Shine has presented several television series in Ireland, including Nice and Easy in the 1980s and Brendan Shine On as well as appearing on The Late Late Show.

Shortly after that, his brother, and band leader, Owen Shine died while Brendan was on tour in the UK in Birmingham.

Later that year, his daughter Emily Brendan Shine joined his band, and he won the World Country Award for the second year running.

In 2004, Brendan Shine was banned from driving in the UK for a year after pleading guilty to drink-driving.

In 2007, Brendan Shine released his major comeback hit "Grandad" which charted for four weeks in Ireland, peaking at number 24.

In 2010, Brendan Shine was awarded The Freedom of Roscommon Award to recognise over 43 years of musical achievements.

Brendan Shine is only the second person to have ever achieved this award.