About Us
Welcome! We're the Plastic Paddies - just a few young Irish bards playing traditional Irish music. Well... I mean, we're not all young, but most of us have been to Ireland. And Clare's gran was Irish. Plus, Jonny's wife is half Irish, so that counts. Oh! And Seamus' great, great, great, great, great, great gran-da came over on a boat from Ireland. So... we're Irish! Anyway, we play music and crack jokes, and do a fair bit o' drinkin' along the way. If you happen to have a venue or event that could use a bit of the ol' craic, we're here to help!
Jonny O'Hartley
Jonny is the Plastic Paddies' bodhran player, lead vocalist, occasional tenor ukulele player, and professional silly little guy. He's been hittin' things to a rhythm for nigh on 30 years now, and he has a soft place in his heart for his dear old ma and yellin' at strangers.
When he's not craicin' a joke or beatin' out a jaunty tune, he can usually be found in the company of his lovely wife, a gaggle of energetic dogs, and one very manic squirrel.
Seamus McGill-O'Leary
("...it's a hyphenate")
Seamus plays the lead mandolin (and occasionally bass), provides backup vocals, and growls like an angry pirate. He's been pluckin' at things with strings since he was knee high to a leprechaun, and has been cleverly disguised as a responsible adult for longer than he'd care to admit.
When he isn't on stage he's either brewing or drinking strong ale and porter, engaging in a fine bit of whiskey snobbery, or taking a game of Dungeons & Dragons way too seriously.
Clare O'Reilly
Clare plays guitar and shares lead vocal duties with Jonny. She’s been singing since before she could talk, and can’t remember a time when she wasn’t trying to be the center of attention. Her accompanying the Plastic Paddies is a stepping stone while she waits for the Proclaimers to call her back.
When she isn't performing, she might be sailing the balmy islands of Southeast Alaska, infiltrating Ren Faires, or phlebotomizing small animals.
Gracie O'Malley
Gracie O'Malley was a pirate who stowed away with the Plastic Paddies while hiding from the law. She brings a lifetime of performance and stage acting to the group, and sometimes even plays the tin whistle.
When she isn't leading a crowd in clapping and shouting or puffin' on the ol' penny whistle, she's running rum for the local distillery and lording over loads of literature like the book-dragon that she is.