A lot of Irish people perform. They perform in drawing rooms. They sing songs and they play piano.

Irish people are educated not only about artistry but local history.

Even when they have nothing, the Irish emit a kind of happiness, a joy.

My mother adores singing and plays piano. My uncle was a phenomenal pianist. My brother John is a double bassist. I used to play the piano, badly, and cello. My brother Peter played violin.

You can get very self-important about it, but the point is it's play.

I play in a band, I write songs, I sing, you know, perform on stage.