Blades musician Conor O’Farrell Brady, who has collaborated with notable artists like Bono and The Rolling Stones, discusses the process of recording the hit film’s soundtrack, his role in playing Glen Hansard’s parts, and his admiration for living in Dublin 8. The property in question is located at Dublin 8 and is listed at a price of €975,000 through agent Felicity Fox (01) 633 4431.
Conor O’Farrell Brady was part of The Commitments band, and yet he wasn’t. How does that work? Known as Conor Brady, he is a highly sought-after session guitarist in Ireland and has worked with renowned musicians including Bono, Shane MacGowan, The Rolling Stones, Sinead O’Connor, and Toots And The Maytals. He began his career performing with the legendary Dublin band The Blades and went on tour with The Corrs. Currently, he is also a producer and sound engineer at Camden Studios.
During the making of the film, the tight schedule required the soundtrack to be recorded before the casting and selection of actors were completed. Conor explains that the classic Motown hits were too complex to expect the cast, despite their musical abilities, to master them in the limited time available for rehearsals. Consequently, a group of session musicians recorded the soundtrack prior to filming taking place.
In the end, the actors performed in the movie but most didn’t contribute to the bestselling soundtrack album. Only Félim Gormley (Dean), who plays the alto saxophone, joined the session musicians in recording the soundtrack. Conor himself covered the role of Outspan Foster, the band’s lead guitarist, portrayed by Glen Hansard in the film.
Conor recalls how he got involved in recording the soundtrack. As a student at the time and a member of Paul Cleary And The Partisans, he demonstrated a talent for playing Motown hits, which caught the attention of bass player Paul Bushell. It so happened that Bushell was producing The Commitments soundtrack and Conor found himself at Ringsend Road Studios, recording the entire album in just five days.
The album became a hit and spent 76 weeks on the Billboard Charts, reaching No8. Conor shares that he knew Glen personally during that time and praises his guitar skills then and now. He later toured worldwide with Andrew Strong and continues to perform with Bronagh Gallagher, with whom he will be touring in the coming months. Additionally, he will be playing with The Blades at their annual Christmas show at Dublin’s Academy venue on December 16.
Twenty years ago, Conor and his wife Juliet were looking to return to Dublin with their young children. They found a three-bedroom period house in good condition at No206 on the South Circular Road in Dublin 8. At the time, Dublin 8 was only beginning to develop, but it has since transformed into a family-friendly neighborhood. Conor refers to the decision to convert the front room into a kitchen as the best they ever made, as it has become the center of social activity in the house.
Now, with their children grown up and mostly moved out, Conor and Juliet are looking to downsize from their 1,679 sq ft home. They are searching for a two-bedroom apartment in the south of France or nearby, with an underground parking space and a balcony for outdoor relaxation.
The 1895 home, originally a boarding house, is now on the market for €975,000, listed with Felicity Fox. It retains most of its original period features, including sanded and varnished floorboards, ceiling coving in the entrance hall, and the original staircase. The kitchen boasts original flooring, a cast-iron chimney piece, and functional window shutters. Additional features include a distinctive island unit, integrated appliances, and an antique-style radiator. The double doors leading to the living room feature stained glass insets, and the conservatory provides a view of the garden. The property also includes a playroom, office, utility/shower room, WC, four bedrooms, and a family bathroom. A sizable enclosed rear garden adds privacy and charm.
Conor highlights the excellent schools in the area, such as St Catherine’s, Griffith College, and Synge Street, making it an ideal location for families. He also mentions the nearby dining options, such as Pickle restaurant on Camden Street and Indochine on Leeson Street, which offers a variety of cuisines and bustling pubs within walking distance. He adds that people still talk about the music from The Commitments and shares a recent encounter with a musician in Italy who was inspired by the film to pursue music. Conor remains proud of the music and its lasting impact on people’s memories.
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