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 […]
Location: Drumsna
Francis J Cox – Ballad Singer, Composer
Whilst not a whole lot is known about Francis J. Cox’s early years, we hear him tell Tom Munnelly in 1971 that he had a brother and sister and that he was the youngest in the family. He mentions that his brother was shot in Flanders and that his mother […]
John “Jacko” Reilly & the Traveller Tradition – Ballad Singer
John “Jacko” Reilly was a traditional ballad singer who was born in 1926 in Carrick-on-Shannon. Although, he lived out his latter years as a settled traveller in Boyle, there are many who have clear memories of his ballad singing in and around the town of Carrick. Find out more Tom […]
Maureen McNabola – Ballad Singer
Maureen McNabola (nee McCrann) from Corlea, Kilnagross was a fine ballad singer who sadly passed away in 2022. She had a rich store of traditional ballads, some popular, well-known songs and others lesser known Leitrim ballads. Maureen’s first public singing appearance was in 1941 when she sang at An Tostal […]
Céilí Bands
Cloone Céilí Band Probably the most “famous” céilí band in Leitrim’s history was Cloone Céilí Band. Owing to Fr. Peter Conefrey’s championing of traditional music and his ability to command national attention – Cloone Céili Band, founded by Conefrey and as pictured here appeared on RTÉ radio for a special […]
Lily Moffatt – Musician, Mentor & Promoter
Mrs Lily Moffatt (nee Frayne/Freyne) was a great advocate for traditional music and dance. As a prominent member of Cumann na mBan and a lifelong republican, Lily had a unique insight into local political happenings in and round Leitrim and Roscommon from the years before and following the 1916 Rising. […]

