Originally from Cork, in the Republic of Ireland, Cathal Coughlan was a founder of acclaimed bands Microdisney, the Fatima Mansions and Telefís and was widely considered to be one of Ireland’s most revered singers and a songwriter beloved by fans of caustic literate lyricism and erudite songcraft. During his forty years of creating music he also released six solo albums and contributed to a number of ensemble works, collaborations and live performances.  He was a recepient, along with his Microdisney bandmates,  of the IMRO/NCH Trailblazer Award for their 1985 album The Clock Comes Down the Stairs. The award celebrates culturally important albums by iconic Irish musicians, songwriters and composers and was presented during their reunion concert in Dublin in 2018.

Coughlan released his final solo album, Song Of Co-Aklan in 2021, followed by two albums by Telefís, his lockdown collaboration with producer and musician Jacknife Lee.  Their final album, a Dó,  was released shortly after Coughlan’s death in 2022.