Joe Cooley was born into a musical family in Peterswell, County Galway in 1924. Before immigrating to London in 1949, Joe was a noted hurler for his county team. In the early 1970's, Joe came to San Francisco and, as so often he did at home, had many a great seisiun with his friend and fellow musician, Kevin Keegan. Joe was a founding member of the famous Tulla Ceili Band and widely promoted enjoyment of Irish traditional music. On one occasion, in Miltown Malbay, Joe was presented with a beautiful accordion dubbed "The Box." This was to become his trademark as he would seisiun to his heart's content in Chicago, San Francisco, and the Catskill Mountains. Joe Cooley spent the last 18 years of his life in America and died in Ireland on December 20, 1973. He is buried in Killtomas Graveyard where still is heard, Sean Leahey's Farewell to Joe Cooley.

     Kevin Keegan was born in Ballinasloe, County Galway and was a founding member of the Aughrim Slopes Band. His love and quiet enthusiasm for traditional Irish music brought him to America. Kevin played his accordion in competition against his friend, Joe Cooley, in Chicago and when the contestants were done, both settled into a lively seisiun for the enjoyment of all. Kevin was well-known in San Francisco, playing first at the Carousel Ballroom, and then, nightly, at The Plough and Stars. To this day, he is fondly remembered by those dancers and musicians who shared in and benefited from the gift of his music. Kevin passed away in San Francisco, five years to the day after Joe Cooley passed away, on December 20, 1978, and was taken home to Galway for burial.

     Both of these fine musicians played important roles in the growth, vitality and popularity of traditional Irish music in the San Francisco area. They are remembered for their music, such as Cooley's The Wise Maid and Kevin Keegan's Waltz, and for their love of Ireland and its traditions. Their musical legacy lies in their influence on a generation of musicians, and through the San Francisco Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, named in their honor.