Biography
-
- Leo Rowsome—Ri na bPiobairi (1903-1970)
- 15 November 2009
- Leo was the first uilleann piper to perform on Irish National Radio in the early 1920s when he played solo and later in a duets with Frank O’Higgins (fiddle), Micheal O Duinn (fiddle) and Leo’s brother John (fiddle). Leo’s All Ireland Trio comprised Neilus Cronin, flute, Seamus O‘Mahony, fiddle and Leo pipes. He formed his Pipes Quartet in the mid 1930s and broadcast regularly throughout the 1940s/50s.
-
- Denis Hempson (1695-1807)
- 24 November 2006
- Though he was a contemporary of Turlough O Carolan, and met him on occasions, he cared little for that music, preferring to play the old Irish airs. He was the only harpist at Belfast who played with long crooked nails.
-
- Mrs Elizabeth Crotty (1885-1960)
- 24 November 2006
- She was a founder member of CCÉ in Co. Clare in 1954, becoming its first president for life. Now she visited fleadhanna cheoil, never entered competitions but was listening so as to broaden her repertoire and noting various styles.
-
- Willie Clancy (1918-1973)
- 24 November 2006
- His wit, humour, storytelling and singing were all integral parts of Willie's character. Scoil Éigse Willie Clancy was immediately set up in his memory and has now - an international reputation.
-
- Denis Murphy (1912-1974)
- 24 November 2006
- He had a vast repertoire of slides, polkas, reels, jigs and hornpipes which he played superbly in an exciting Sliabh Luachra fashion. He could sing a song, recite and tell yarns with the best, full of humour and gaiety.
-
- John Kelly (1921-1988)
- 24 November 2006
- John was a noted member of the famous Castle Ceilí Band. John annually became a noted tutor and lecturer at the Willie Clancy School in Miltown Malbay and was later joined by his sons James and John who have kept the famous tradition alive.
-
- John McKenna (1880-1947)
- 24 November 2006
- While he has some solo recordings, he very often played duets with, many others, the likes of James Morrison fiddle, and Michael Gaffney banjo.
-
- Johnny Doherty (1900-1980)
- 24 November 2006
- Donegal music is generally recognised for its strong clear tone, skilful bowing with little finger ornamentation. Johnny's style bore all those hallmarks but was made much more dramatic by his aggressive staccato bowing and frequent use of double stopping.
-
- Josie McDermott (1925-1992)
- 24 November 2006
- Josie used to visit the local house dances and was taught music by James Flynn, a fine local fiddler. Later he travelled with his whistle, fife and flute and played at many a session or dance throughout the countryside.
-
- Michael Coleman (1891-1945)
- 24 November 2006
- Coleman's records were widely popular; their impact was immediate; musicians extended their repertoire and even imitated his playing. Coleman had the ability to take a common tune and transform it into something special.
-
- Micho Russell (1915-1994)
- 24 November 2006
- Micho's music is devoid of over ornamentation but its uniqueness is characterised by his use of short phrases, stops and tonguing.
-
- Pádraig Ó Caoimh (O’ Keeffe) (1887-1963)
- 24 November 2006
- Pádraig O Caoimh is probably the most important and influential Munster fiddle player of the 20th Century.
