Gleann Cholmcille Area | Donegal Fiddle Music

Jack McElroy (1910 – 1996)

(3rd March 1910 – 5th January 1996) Christened John Francis but commonly known as Jack, he was born and raised in the townland of Gleann Málainn, the son…

Patrick Gillespie (b. 1917)

(b. 1st January 1917) Paddy, or Paddy Phroinsias, was born and reared at Gort an Luain, an area located between the townlands of Cionn na Coilleadh and Suidheamh….

Johnny Boyle (1888 – 1968)

(6th June 1888 – 10th October 1968) Johnny Boyle of An Bhráid Íochtarach is remembered locally as a very fine fiddle player. Though he lived all his adult…

James Lyons

James, the son of Eohgan Lyons and Catherine Gildea was born and reared at An Gaineamh, Gleann Cholmcille. James learned his trade of shoemaking from his father,…

Paddy O’Gara (1921 – 1994)

(1921 – 13th October 1994) ‘I remember one night at a dance in Glen in a hall they call the Spink hall, do you know I played with…

Paddy O’Gara (Snr) (1800s)

It is believed that Paddy O’Gara was the first of the clan to set up home in Mín na bhFachrán sometime in the early nineteenth century. Originally from…

Barney Molloy (c.1895 – 1967)

(c.1895 – 2nd April 1967) Barney, or Barney Bhríanaí of Mín na Chearrbhaigh was the son of Bríanaí Mór Molloy, a noted fiddler who learned much of his…

Con Sweeny (1932 – 1981)

(5th February 1932 – 28th March 1981) Con Sweeney, Srath Laoill Theas, was the youngest of a family of six. He was a close neighbour of Patrick Doherty…

Columba Ward (1917 – 1999)

(10th August 1917 – 26th June 1999) Columba, the youngest boy in the family, attended Saint Eunan’s College, Letterkenny. Afterwards, he worked in various positions, firstly selling insurance…