James McBrearty (1893 – 1967)

(1893 – 11th July 1967)

James McBrearty

James McBrearty was born at An Bogach and farmed there all his life. He was married to Sarah Brown of Baile na Móna in Gleann an Bhaile Dhuibh and they had four daughters and four sons. His mother was Bridget McGinley from Mín na Croise, and he had a great affinity with fiddlers from that part of Gleann Cholmcille, especially his cousin John McGinley whom he regarded as a very fine fiddler. As a younger man, he played at big nights with some of the Teileann fiddlers, including Connie Haughey and Jimmy Lyons. The McConnell and Doherty clans of tinsmiths and fiddlers were frequent visitors to An Bogagh. Indeed John Doherty visited and played with James whenever he was in the area. Other fiddlers who he played with include Canon Christopher McGinley, Parish Priest in Cill Charthaigh, originally a native of Mín an Aoire and his neighbour, Francis Byrne. James was a great admirer of Ciaran MacMathúna and never missed his radio programmes. His brother, Tommy, who emigrated and spent his life in the USA was also a fine fiddle player. Two of his great-grand children are accomplished pianists and students in Trinity College Dublin and Cork School of Music.

James McBrearty Fiddle & Case