His introduction to traditional Irish songs came from a chance hearing of a tinker who was singing and selling his ballad sheets at a fair in Boyle, Co. Roscommon many years ago. As he says himself, he has been obsessed ever since with the songs that tell stories. Frank has amassed a very large collection of songs and is a "story teller in song" whose knowledge and understanding of the Irish tradition, and whose vast repertoire of songs, is second to none. He has been justly described as one of the most important figures in the present day Irish song revival. Frank has traveled widely talking of his songs. As well as turning up at almost every singers' session in Ireland, he has appeared at clubs, seminars and festivals in France, Britain and America, where he holds an annual seminar in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. He has issued several records and is heard almost anywhere singers congregate.