Born in 1887 in Gowlaun, Killargue, Michael Gallagher was a multi-instrumentalist having taught himself the flute and pipes, he also played melodeon and tin-whistle.
Here is a brief account of his early life and his musical accomplishments from Leitrim Guardian 2000 contributed by his namesake.
For a more comprehensive overview, check out:
As well as lots of links to various clippings of dances and events that he attended, musicians he played with and citings of recordings he made, you will also find a picture of him playing with a “Group of New York Musicians” photographed in 1916 [or 1923]
Photo in the Tom Busby collection of photographs at Na Píobairí Uilleann.
Here is a close up of Michael from that picture.
Micheal Gallagher was included in the Irish Traditional Music Archive’s “From the Bridge” project which “showcases rare recordings, stories and photographs relating to New York’s remarkably rich traditional Irish music heritage.”
As well as details about him, you can also access two recordings:
Colliers and The Salamanca and The Garden of Daisies
You can also access a few other recordings on archive.org
Michael J Gallagher died on January 11th, 1971 and is interred at Calvary Cemetry
Death Notice from” NY Daily News” Jan. 13, 1971
