Paddy Doherty (c.1891 – 1965)

Paddy Doherty (c.1891 – 1965)

Paddy Doherty

Paddy, known as ‘Sinclair’ in the general area of Gleann Cholmcille, was born and raised in the townland of Dún Alt, the son of Peter and Nora Doherty. In Paddy’s childhood the Doherty house was under the same roof as that of Peter and Hannah Cunnea, another musical house. As a boy, he played the drums with the local Ancient Order of Hibernians band,* a group which also included Hugh Cunnea and John James Boyle. Both Hugh and John James played the fiddle, as did Paddy himself and he formed a playing partnership with Hugh, his close neighbour. They often played together at big nights in Dún Alt and An Dumhaigh along with other local players such as Watty McNelis. Paddy was also highly regarded as a storyteller and some of his material was recorded by collector Máirtín Ó Cadhain in 1957. He suffered poor health in later years and moved to McGlinchey’s house in Cill Fhathnaid, where he passed away in 1965.
*(a Catholic nationalist movement of a ribbon tradition who established local fife, drum and accordion bands – very prominent in rural areas in early 20th century Ireland).