Danny Ward (1907 – 1995)

(17th March 1907 – 5th June 1995)

Danny Ward

Like his brothers John, Alfonsus and Columba, Danny was born and reared on Main Street , An Charraig. As a young man he helped his father and brothers with the family farm, which was located in Srath Laoill Theas and An Charraig Uachtarach. In 1944 Danny married Bella hIghne from An tAtharach, Teileann and they settled in An Charraig Uachtarach, where they reared a family of seven. Danny began playing the melodeon in his twenties and was influenced greatly by the music of Jimmy Lyons and Frank Cassidy from Teileann. He played regularly at big nights and house dances in the parishes of Gleann Cholmcille and Cill Charthaigh. After moving to An Charraig Uachtarach, Danny played with many musicians from the townlands of Srath Laoill Theas and Mín an Aoire including Mick Carr, Patrick O Donnell and Patrick Doherty. Danny passed on his love for the music to his son, Donal, who plays the accordion. He is remembered as a knowledgeable and hard-working farmer who took particular pride in his black- faced sheep.