Éamon Ó Donnchadha was born in Bluebell in Dublin. His mother came from Marlborough Place in the city centre and her father was a blacksmith. His father was from Toomevara in Tipperary, came to Dublin and joined the civil service. They married and Irish was the first language of the home and of their seven children. Éamon developed an interest in music and singing when he attended St Patrick’s College in Drumcondra and he often shared his music with friends Ger Galvin and Fearghas Mac Lochlainn. His interest further increased when he went to Leitir Móir and An Trá Bháin in Conamara where he heard Máirín Uí Chéidigh, her uncle Coilmín an tSeoighigh and other Conamara singers ag casadh na n-amhrán. Éamon was entranced by the magic of the poetry, the musicality of the language and the artistry of sean-nós singing. On three occasions he won Corn Ui Riada. He is particularly interested in the songs of Galway poet Antaine Ó Raiftearaí. Éamon often participates in Oireachtas competitions along with his friend Fearghas Mac Lochlainn, composer of ditties (lúibíní), working songs and agallamh beirte. or verse dialogue.

Éamon married Mairéad Ní Cheallaigh. a daughter of Peige an tSeoighigh from An Sconsa and Pádraic Ó Ceallaigh from An Máimín both noted singers.  Éamon and Mairéad live in the Ráth Chairn Irish speaking district in County Meath. Éamon spent twenty years as a schoolteacher in Ráth Chairn Éamon and Mairéad’s children are involved in music and song along with their parents.