Alice Fitzgerald’s/The Gatehouse Maid
This track is from our 2006 CD, Concert Tour of North America 2006.
John Kennedy was born in 1928 near Cullybackey, Co. Antrim. He was encouraged to sing by his mother, Mary, and later learned to play the fife in Duneaney ‘First Flute’band.Willy Nicholl of Killyliss then taught him whistle.John Kennedy began teaching whistle and flute in Portglenone CCÉ in 1973 and Dunloy CCÉ 1974,where he continued to teach for twenty-five years,producing many established musicians through Co.Antrim and Derry. Throughout this time, John began composing tunes and competing in the newly composed ballad section at Fleadhanna at which he won All Ireland titles in 1984,1986,1989 and 1994.In 2001 a book of his life and musical compositions was published and a CD recorded to much critical acclaim. John Kennedy received this year, 2006, one of the highest possible accolades when he was awarded the OBE for services to Irish Traditional Music in the Queens Birthday Honours List 2006.
‘Alice Fitzgerald’s Reel’was named in honour of the Dungarvan singer,whom John enjoyed many a singing weekend with. Alice Fitzgerald is well known in both singing and drama circles all over Ireland and has been a regular presenter on many Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Concert Tours.
‘The Gatehouse Maid’ is part of the core South Sligo repertoire having been originally recorded by Paddy Killoran in America. Killoran recorded The Gatehouse Maid with Down the Broom and like some of his other recorded selections, such as ‘The Enchanted Lady’ and ‘The Holy Land’, the selection has stayed together ever since.
- Date
- 5 December 2006
- Tune
- Alice Fitzgerald’s/The Gatehouse Maid
- Created By
- John Kennedy
- Source
- Concert Tour of North America 2006
| Performers/Subjects | Instruments |
|---|---|
| Séana Agnew | Flute |
| Sabina McCague | Harp |
