Mickey Doherty (1895 – 1979)

Mickey Doherty of Drimagra played the fife with the Drimarone Ancient Order of Hibernian’s (Fife & Drum Band). The AOH was particularly active during the years of the Civil War in the early 1920s. He passed his love of music on to his family and in particular Michael, his youngest son who plays the fiddle and banjo. Michael picked up much of his music from Daniel Donnelly Gallagher, whose house was one of the main centres of music in the locality. He later learned the bagpipes and joined Saint Naul’s Pipe Band in Ardaghey. Michael played regularly with Brendan McHugh and Tommy Burke among others. Indeed, he still plays with the band and each of his five children learned to play music. Michael also enjoys playing with his three granddaughters; Aileen, Emma and Heidi.

Michael Doherty playing with his grandchildren [source: Finola Kennedy]

Mickey Doherty (Snr) [source: Finola Kennedy]

Mickey Doherty (Snr) playing an AOH march on the fife [source: Raphael Meehan]