Let this moment linger: Songwriters honoured for ‘Grace’

BROTHERS and songwriters Sean and Frank O’Meara, who live in Templeogue and Walkinstown respectively, were recently honoured for the success of their popular Irish song ‘Grace’.

They were honoured at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in their hometown of Mullingar when they received the prestigious Gradam Na hÉigse Award for ‘Grace’.

The iconic ballad was recorded by Jim McCann of the Dubliners in 1985 and details the short-lived marriage of Grace Gifford to Joseph Mary Plunkett in Kilmainham Gaol, just hours before his execution in 1916.

Speaking to The Echo this week, Sean explained why he and his brother decided they wanted to compose a song centred on Grace Gifford and Joseph Mary Plunkett’s experience.

“My brother and I had been writing songs since we were children, and we were writing successfully in the early 80s as our songs were being recorded by artists,” he explained.

“But we needed a big song. The idea for ‘Grace’ came from our childhood.

“I knew about her story, but I didn’t know the details.

Songwriters Sean and Frank O’Meara honoured by Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann with Labhrás Ó Murchú
(Ardstiúrthóir, Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, left) and Éamonn Ó hArgáin (Uachtarán, Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann)

“I went over to Kilmainham Gaol to get the letters that they’d written because I wanted the song to be historically accurate.

“When I was doing the research, it made me realise that they were human, they were real people, and they went through a terrible time.”

Influenced by the documents he’d read concerning the couple’s relationship, Sean then set about writing the lyrics to what would become ‘Grace’, while Frank crafted the melody.

The brothers drafted a home demo of the song that was sent to a publisher, which then made its way to Jim McCann who went on to record and release it in 1985.

‘Grace’ was a runaway success, spending 36 weeks in Irish charts, and has been sung by musicians and revellers all over the world.

“You never know with a song, how the public are going to take to it,” added Sean, who worked in HB’s Chocolate Factory in Tallaght in the late 70s.

“It has surprised and pleased us that ‘Grace’ has become so much more popular and loved than we could’ve ever imagined when we wrote it.

“We had no idea that the song would have the life it’s had . . . to hear it sung by so many people in so many different places is wonderful.”

The duo has written many songs over the years, approximately 40 of which have been recorded and released, with their most recent composition, ‘You’re All That I Need’, appearing on Daniel O’Donnell’s latest album.

Sean added that he and his brother write songs for the enjoyment that they get out of it and would not consider themselves professional songwriters despite their success.

“It always was only a hobby,” he said. “We’re not professional writers and we never wanted to be professional writers – we’re just happy to write if and when it happens.

“We enjoy it immensely.”