Donegal's
Fiddling Families
Old traditions and customs still survive in Donegal - for example the
Gaelic language and the folkloric associations with Colm Cille, such as the turas in
Gleann Cholm Cille. Another strong feature is the fiddle tradition in the South West of
the county, a tradition that has depended to a large extent on a number of remarkable
families. It is true that the tradition was passed on in a similar way within families
elsewhere in Donegal and in Ireland, but in this part of Donegal - Gleann Cholm Cille,
Kilcar, Teelin and the surrounding area, and the Gaeltacht Lár - it is a really striking
feature of music making.
The leading families included the Dohertys, the Mac Fhionnlaoichs, the
Cassidys, and the O’Byrnes, better known as the Dearg O’Byrnes or the Deargs.
The Dohertys: without any doubt he best known fiddling family from
Donegal were the Dohertys, a family of travelling fidlers with their roots in the
Gaeltacht Lár around Leitir Mac a’Bháird (Lettermacaward). The Doherty tradition
goes back to at least the late 1700s, to Hugh Doherty who played uilleann pipes and
warpipes as well as the fiddle. The line passed on through his son Simí Mór and grandson
Mickey Mór to the latter’s three sons, the famous John, Mickey and Simí Doherty.
Donegal fiddle music and indeed the county’s cultural heritage owe an awesome debt to
these and above all to John or Johnny Doherty. His playing is a link with a Donegal that
is no more, a time when folklore and folk beliefs were accepted as facts of life. A fair
number of recordings of his playing have survived, and it is encourgaing to note that the
fiddlers of the future look likely to continue the path he trod for many years to come.
The Mac Fhionnlaoichs: This family owe their fiddling tradition to
Moses or Mosaí Mac Fhionnlaoich who was born in the beginning of the nineteenth century
in Loch Inse, a townland in Gleann Cholm Cille. Mosaí was a blacksmith as well as a
fiddle player. Many of his sons also took up the bow, including Maurice Mosaí, who joined
the RIC, John Mosaí, and Padaí Mosaí. John Mosaí has left the strongest legacy, with
many of his tunes still played today; according to some sources he wrote the local
favourite "The Glen road to Carrick".
The Cassidys: the brothers Johnnie, Frank and Paddy Cassidy came from
Kilcar, and their cousin Con grew up in nearby Teelin. Of the brothers, Johnnie and Frank
were the better regarded players, but all three were well known for house dances. The
Cassidys also got involved in promoting dances in a big marquee which they bought as Army
surplus in Finner Camp at the end of World War I. Con Cassidy was one of the outstanding
fiddlers of the Donegal tradition, a quiet gentle man, blessed with wit, humour and
musical genius.
The Deargs: the brothers Mickey Bán and Francie Dearg O’Byrne
also founded a dynasty of fiddlers. Their driving rhythmical style was influenced by
piping, and they were much in demand, being sought for house dances seven nights a week.
Francie Dearg’s son Pat and his grandson Peter carry on the tradition and the
‘Dearg’ style.
There were many other players besides these leading families, and
happily the tradition is at least as strong today as it has ever been, not least due to
the efforts of vibrant organisations like Cairdeas na bhFidléirí, and a growing number
of fiddling schools and weekends, bringing together musicians and enthusiasts.
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