Friday 3 April 2009

Deaths of three Clare musicians – Ollie Conway, Michael Mahony and Michael Patsy Flanagan

Ollie Conway, MullaghThree well-known Clare musicians passed away in the last week. Ollie Conway (left) was a noted set dancer, singer and storyteller from Mullagh, where he ran Conway’s pub. The pub was a well known spot for musicians and dancers for many years, and was famous for its sessions during the Willie Clancy Week. Michael Mahony from Miltown Malbay also died last week. Michael was a renowned singer and flute player and he led the weekly singing session in Clearys (The Blond’s) in Miltown Malbay for fifty years. He was also a founder member of the West Clare Resource Centre. Michael Patsy Flanagan, from Barrtra, Lahinch, was also buried last week. Michael Patsy was the drummer with the Tulla Céilí Band for more than fifty years. He was photographed working on his farm by Dorothea Lange in 1954 as she travelled through County Clare.

Michael Patsy Flanagan playing with Martin Hayes and the Tulla Céilí Band:


Michael Patsy Flanagan recorded at home:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7COdWFIabos

Michael Patsy Flanagan in Dorothea Lange collection (scans of contact prints):
http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft7k4005ts&brand=oac/
http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft5t1nb1mr&brand=oac/
http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft9290076s&brand=oac/
http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft5h4nb1jr&brand=oac/
http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft0c6000xf&brand=oac/
http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft2b69n5wv&brand=oac/
http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft38700327&brand=oac/
http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft7f59n9jt&brand=oac/

More info on Dorothea Lange's visit to Ireland in 1954...

Michael Mahony (second on right) greeting President Mary McAleese at the formal opening of the west Clare Resource Centre in 2004.

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