Originally from Shanagolden, County Limerick, Seamus Balfe's deep connection to Irish music was nurtured during his childhood, touring with his renowned grandfather, Sean Nos singer Con Greaney. He later moved to Yonkers where his love for Irish music quickly led him to visit East Durham, NY where he now resides and can be found working at McGrath’s Pub & Resort, owned by friends Colleen and Dermot Fenlon.
Seamus's love for East Durham and his passion for Irish culture led him to become a key figure in raising funds for the MJQ Irish Cultural & Sports Centre, by co-directing the East Durham Irish Festival over the past two years, teaming up with Andy Cooney to ensure its continued success. This past year, he collaborated once again with a team of musicians and promoters to introduce the 1st Annual German Festival at the cultural centre grounds.
For the last three years Seamus has served as the Financial Secretary for The Greene County AOH Mass Rock Division 2 and was recently honored last fall with the Tim O'Sullivan Award, as the first recipient of this award. This newly revived AOH Division in Greene County grew 400% in the last few years with Seamus playing a significant role in expanding the division.
Seamus is currently the Treasurer for the East Durham St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and is hard at work making sure the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in more than 30 years will be a big success.
