He is one of the most remarkable exponents of the Irish union pipe (or uillean pipe). Born in Trim in 1950, he is the son of the piper John Keenan and the banjo player and accordionist Mary Bravender. He grew up not far from another well-known Irish family, the Fureys - father Ted, violin, and son Finbar. And like them, Paddy has gypsy blood in his veins. He took up the pipe when he was ten or eleven with a practice set. A year later, in 1962, he moved on to the full set (an uillean pipe with all its keys and all its drones). In 1966 his family moved to Scotland. There he receives regular coaching from another great piper, Felix Doran. He then began to play at various clubs with his brother Johnny, his father and his friends, who include Tony MacMahon and Paddy Glackin.

Then, with Matt Molloy, Tommy People and Donal Lunny, he formed the Bothy Band. Keenan spent four years with the group. Not finding the music he dreamed of, he moved to England, then to France, before finally settling in the United States (where he still lives) in 1991.
Donal Lunny describes him as the " Hendrix of the bagpipe ". Paddy Keenan has simply become a legend.
In his concert, he will be accompanied by Tommy O'Sullivan. This guitarist and vocalist plays with both Danish and Irish musicians. He tours regularly with Paddy Keenan, Cathal Hayden, De Danann and Mairtin O'Connor.

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