Mick Doherty (1924-2014)

Ballybofey and Perth

Compiled by Martin McGinley.

News report from the ‘Donegal News’ on Friday 17th October, 2014

THE funeral took place in Western Australia earlier this morning (Friday) of renowned Ballybofey fiddler, Mick Doherty. Mr Doherty passed away in Perth on Wednesday, October 8. He was 90 years-of-age.

A nephew of the legendary fiddler, John ‘Simi’ Doherty, he released his debut album called ‘Out West’ last year in Perth. Mick recorded the album along with a friend of Polish descent, Robert Zielinski, whom he taught how to play the fiddle.

Mr Doherty ran a successful construction business in his adopted home for many years.  He was one of ten children of Hughie and Mary Anne (nee McHugh) and was born in January of 1924 in “James’ wee house” at Donegal Street, Ballybofey.

He left the Twin Towns in 1943 to join the Free State Army, before joining the British forces to fight in the Korean War. Mick was wounded in action during the war and returned to the East End of London where he met his English wife, Janet.

He spent almost 18 years there, during which time he ran a successful construction company which employed 60 men at one time.

The couple and their three young children, Dean, Michael and Lee, emigrated to Australia at the end of 1969 and have been in Rockingham ever since. During his time in Australia, Mick set up a successful construction and engineering business.

Survived by his wife Janet and son Lee, he was laid to rest this morning after 11.30 am Mass (4:30 am Irish time) at Our Lady of Lourdes, Rockingham.

Mick’s album features a 12-page booklet concerning his life and family and has been produced by the National Archive of Australia.

‘Out West’ is now available for online purchase through Paypal at www.robert-zielinski.com/Recordings.html

 

Tunes

Mick Doherty – Sunshine/Banks Hornpipes


Mick Doherty – The girl I left behind me – Polka

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