Declan Affley

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Declan Affley (8 September 1939 to 27 June 1985) was an Australian folk singer and musician. He was born in Cardiff, Wales, and became a seaman, jumping ship in Australia in 1959.

[edit] Folk singer and musician

Affley became a regular performer at the Troubadour Coffee Lounge in Sydney and later at Frank Traynor's Folk Club, Melbourne, as well as many other venues and folk festivals. As well as being a leading figure in Australian folk music, he appeared in several films including Peter Weir's The Last Wave, and Richard Lowenstein's Strikebound, where he was musical director.

Affley was well known as a singer of traditional songs such as Carrickfergus as well as performing the work of contemporary songwriters, notably including John Dengate, Don Henderson and Harry Robertson

[edit] Declan Affley memorial award

Affley's sudden death at the age of 45 was a shock to the Australian folk music community. He is remembered by the Declan Affley memorial award for excellence in a young performer, awarded at the National Folk Festival held annually in Canberra.