Paddy Clancy Sweater

"In the early summer of 1963, my husband Paddy Clancy and I were travelling to County Mayo to visit with my parents. We stopped off in Spiddal, County Galway, to visit the famous shop of Standuns and look at the stock of Irish clothing, and maybe find a new sweater or two for the exciting new life as folk singers these fellows were recently enjoying in America. Paddy was surprised at the warm exuberant welcome extended to him, it was very exciting for the owner to have one of this new group in the flesh, wandering around his shop floor, they had not yet performed in Ireland. We looked at the luscious merchandise, Paddy picked out a beautifully knitted polo neck jumper in the genuine Aran wool. It was his favorite sweater, he had many sweaters over the years, this one travelled many thousands of miles with him. He was tall and slim and the lines and patterning of the delicate knitting suited his trim frame. Sweaters had a tendence to become "lost or mislaid" on tour, he was lucky to have his favorite of all resting in retirement in his Irish home. "