Declan was born in the heart of Ireland in Drumlish Co Longford, at a unique period in the music scene worldwide. A revolution in rock and pop brought us The Beatles, Elvis, and the Rolling Stones, while here in Ireland the magnificent showband boom was about to explode.

As a young man, Declan was heavily influenced by these greats and had the rare opportunity to see most of the top showbands appear in his native town of Drumlish. He would cajole his mother into seeing Joe Dolan, Big Tom, Philomena Begley, The Capital Showband, and many more perform when they appeared at the marquee at the end of May and early June.