Decade of Centenaries Programme 2020-23
The name “Joe Mooney” is probably best associated today with the renowned traditional Irish music summer school that takes place in Drumshanbo each July, but the man behind the name was involved with many other organisations that furthered the cause of traditional arts in Leitrim at a time when the […]
Ó Máille, Tomás (1880–1938), an Irish scholar and professor of Irish at University College Galway , was born 30 March 1880 in Muintir Eoin near Leenaun, Co. Galway. He was the first professor of Irish at University College Galway from 1909 until his death in 1938 Find out more Ó […]
John McKenna is regarded as one of the most influential flute players of the 20th century. Born in a small cottage in the townland of Tents, Tarmon near Drumkeerin in 1880, McKenna emigrated to New York and became a prolific recording artist during the 1920s and 30s. These 78 recordings […]
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, […]
Born in 1927 in Tullycooley, Dromahair, fiddle player Vincent was influenced in his youth by his mother, Mary, who sang and played the fiddle and by his mother’s brother, Hughie Travers, who was also a musician. Photo copyright Steven de Paoire, courtesy Irish Traditional Music Archive Hughie Travers Vincent’s uncle […]
Margaret O’ Rourke was born in Ballinagleragh in the townland of Drumnafinla. She sang with various groups and bands in her early years but she gained much recognition when she began singing with the Hi-Lows Showband in the late 70’s. https://irish-showbands.com/Bands/Hi-lows.htm Shanagolden Margaret later sang with Paddy Kelly from Cloone, […]
One of the most prolific collections of poems, ballads and songs from County Leitrim is that compiled by poet Bernard Gray and printed by John Rourke and sons in Carrick on Shannon in 1909 – “Songs and Stories of Leitrim” As well as many poems and ballads written by Gray […]
