An Australian of Irish ancestry, Steve Cooney has been living in Ireland for many years. He spent a number of years living in the parish of Moore where he got to know and play with the local musicians, one of those being Maidhc Dainín. One of Ireland's leading guitarists, he is also a much sought-after and highly regarded producer, having worked with many of the big names in the Irish music industry.

From the age of seventeen he has been playing in rock bands including Bushwackers, Fruitcake and the successful folk/rock band Red Gum.1981 he bought a one-way ticket to Ireland where he joined Stockton's Wing, playing bass guitar and didgeridoo. Since then he has been very active performing and recording with Dermot Byrne, Sharon Shannon, Altan, Martin Hayes, Mary Black, Sliabh Notes and many others.

He was married to Sinéad O'Connor from 2010 to 2011.