He studied History of Art at Trinity College, Dublin and graduated in 1971. He then obtained a master's degree at the Courtault Institute of Art in London. Since the late 1970s, he has worked extensively, composing music for stage, screen and full orchestral works. His best known full orchestral piece is 1980's The Brendan Voyage. His concert works include Ballykissangel, The Brendan Voyage Suite, Granuaile , Pilgrim, The Relief of Derry Symphony, Special Olympics Suite and Waking Ned Devine.