So many people have said it’s hard to believe that it’s 50 years since the legendary Co. Kerry fiddle player Denis ‘The Waiver’ Murphy died.
“But it is and it’s important that this anniversary is recognised and that his life, musical memories and status are honoured,” said Handed Down and World Fiddle Day founder member, P.J. Teahan.
P.J. feels that it’s important for future generations to appreciate Denis Murphy’s legacy, play his tunes and mention his name in the same sense of awe with which it was mentioned when he first rose to prominence as one of Ireland’s finest fiddle players.
Gneeveguilla Roots and Branches
“Handed Down Scartaglin will do its best as we have done since 2013 to ensure that the World
rediscovers the magic of Gneeveguilla’s Denis Murphy with a series of events running from Saturday May 11th to Sunday May 19th and we have enlisted help from many people from Gneeveguilla and others with roots in that area to ensure this reflects a joint venture,” said P.J.
“Castleisland based fiddle player Con Moynihan is a proud Gneeveguilla man who has vivid memories of the morning of Denis Murphy’s funeral as his house bordered the graveyard. Con will be MC for most events.
Rare, Donated Recordings
“Johnny O’Leary and Billy Clifford played at the graveside and Ciarán MacMathúna of Radio Éireann said a few words and we’re delighted to have Bryan O’Leary presenting a Handed Down special on Denis Murphy and Johnny O Leary’s musical partnership. That will be on Saturday, May 11th at 8pm in the Heritage Centre in Scartaglin.
“Every morning of that week I will upload rare, donated recordings relating to Denis on the Handed Down / Sliabh Luachra Archive,” P.J. continued.
“On Wednesday night we are going international with a special online presentation called A Gneeveguilla Fiddle Tribute to Denis Murphy on our Facebook page and YouTube channel Handed Down Sliabh Luachra Archive.
Ambitious Project with Surprises
“This is an ambitious project and contains a few surprises with special guest appearances from many parts of the World.
“On Thursday night in Fagin’s Bar in Castleisland the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival will host a session of music to celebrate Denis Murphy’s years playing in the Castleisland based Desmond Céilí Band.
The Friday night will see the area welcome many visiting musicians to the Castleisland area to take part in sessions and play their part.
Welcoming Old Friends
In Scartaglin at 8pm Handed Down welcomes old friends Jackie Daly, Matt Cranitch and Paul de Grae to start the weekend by playing their tribute to Denis Murphy.
Gneeveguilla rooted fiddle players Aidan Connolly and uncle Con Moynihan with young musicians Seán Butler, Seán Fleming, Seán Michael Redican, Haley Holly and singer Colleen Freeman will also take part.
RTÉ Radio Rolling Wave presenter Aoife Nic Cormaic will take to the stage at 9 pm to interview documentary maker Peter Browne with Billy Clifford,and Pádraic MacMathúna on Denis Murphy’s musical journey.
Sessions in Scartaglin and Castleisland will follow.
May 18 is World Fiddle Day
Saturday May 18 is World Fiddle Day in Scartaglin and will launch as always at 12 noon with a few words this year from Nickie McAuliffe.
Pádraic MacMathúna will give a short talk on the years of friendship between Denis Murphy and his father Ciarán MacMathúna and of the recordings made in Lyons Bar over those years and impromptu sessions will follow.
At 2pm the annual group photo at Pádraig O Keeffe’s monument takes place with this year’s tunes led by young Kilcummin fiddle player Seán Fleming.
This is followed by the highlight of the weekend, the annual fiddle recital.
Aidan’s Tribute to Denis Murphy
Aidan Connolly, one of the finest fiddle players in traditional music, will host this recital under the title: A Tribute to Denis Murphy and any fiddle player who wishes to can sit down and join in.
At 4 pm in Fleming’s Bar, box-player Bryan O’Leary will welcome visiting musicians to join him in session and play the music that Denis Murphy and his grandfather Johnny O’Leary so often played.
The evening will continue in Castleisland and Scartaglin where impromptu sessions will be found.
A Scattering of Thanks
“Thanks to: Kerry County Council and Kerry County Arts; The Kerryman, Kerry’s Eye, The Maine Valley Post and Radio Kerry and presenter Kaya Flynn in particular; Castleisland Chamber Alliance; Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald and Cllr. Charlie Farrelly; Bruce Molyneaux and local publicans for their continuing support,” said P.J. in conclusion.
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