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. She speaks of much of this history in an interview held in Leitrim Local Studies section in Ballinamore Library.
Here Lily speaks of her involvement with Cumann na mBan, the effect that the arrival of British forces had on local fairs, music and local life.
The Dances
As a great promoter of Irish dance and music, Lily recounts the dances held in the Forester’s Hall in Dromod (once held where she lived) and the balls held in Annaduff Hall where she and her brother often played music for the dancers.
R.E.D. Wrenboys
In the following article from The Leitrim Guardian, Lily gives an account of the Rooskey, Eslin, Dromod (R.E.D.) Wrenboys and makes reference to many local musical families from those areas. Also documented are local events that allowed musicians, dancers, singers, etc. to come together and showcase their talent – Wrenboy competitions, the “Bard of Breifne” competition and “Tops of the Town”.
Music Lessons
Generations of children from the Dromod, Bornacoola, Annaduff, Rooskey and Eslin areas benefitted from tuition in traditional music by Lily who taught whistle, flute, drums, fiddle and accordion. She was instrumental in reviving and keeping an interest and her ability to teach so many instruments led to the setting up of numerous Céilí Bands, duets and trios that won many competitions over the years. Together with her daughters, Kathleen, Lily and Mary and her son-in-law Cormac McGill, they brought the joy of music, dance and song to many people and were fierce advocates for Irish culture.
