Frank Cassidy (1900 – 1971)

(14th April 1900 – 9th March 1971)

Frank Cassidy

Like his two older brothers, Frank had a great pair of hands and an inventive mind. He is regarded as one of the finest fiddlers of his generation, not only in Teileann but also further afield. Along with running his bicycle shop in An Charraig, Frank took charge of ‘Cassidy’s Hall’ following the death of his brother, Paddy, in 1949. Frank’s music was recorded on several occasions between 1946 and the 1960’s, by collectors from RTE and the BBC, as well as by individuals such as Louis Quinn, Mairtín Ó Cadhain and Father Liam McEntaggart. These recordings comprise of Frank’s solo playing, as well as duets with John Doherty. Known for his haunting renditions of slow airs such as ‘Dark Loch na Gar‘ and ‘Tiarna Mhuigh Eo‘, he was equally at home playing his own unique and individual versions of the hornpipes ‘The Atlantic Roar’ and ‘The Japanese’.

Some of Frank’s music can be heard on the CD ‘Níl gar ann!’ Frank Cassidy (and in duet with John Doherty) CNF005

‘Cronán na Mathar‘ (Air) performed by Frank Cassidy