PADDY
SHANNON (1913-1999) FIDDLE PLAYER
Paddy Shannon was
born on the 23rd of June, 1913, to John Shannon and Mary O'Beirne,
of Tartan, Ballinameen, Co. Roscommon. Paddy lived all his life
in Tartan, an area once rich with music, particularly fiddle playing,
coupled with a distinctive dancing style long since lost. Tartan,
already a musical stronghold became further enriched with traditional
music through the amazing endeavours of the late Pat Kenny, fiddle
player and teacher. Pat himself learned from John Travers, who
in turn learned from the fiddle master, Peter Towey. These were
men living and playing in the last century with music that is
now almost lost. Paddy Shannon is the last player in Tartan from
this tradition.
Paddy's two maternal uncles, Michael and James O'Beime, were fiddle
players learning from Pat Kenny's father, Tom. Paddy himself started
lessons from Pat Kenny when he was seventeen or eighteen. There
were many, many pupils from near and far attending Pat Kenny's
'classes', which were mostly on a Sunday afternoon. Pat would
show the fingering of a tune, note by note, and would then teach
the timing. He was a very patient teacher who would show immense
delight when a pupil grasped a tune. He taught for many years,
up until he was a very old man. Pat had a very traditional style,
without half notes in his reels and a very short bow hand. He
could play anything but was always modest about his music. His
favourite hornpipe was The Boys of Bluehill . Paddy Shannon continued
his musical education under the wing of his neighbour and mentor,
Pat Kenny, for many years meeting many other musicians at the
Kenny rambling house. Paddy recalls the old phonograph in the
Kenny home, brought from America, which was often produced at
the rambling sessions. The records played included McKenna, the
Flanagan Brothers, James Morrison, etc. He has amazing respect
and fondness for his old teacher, and recalls, at a young age,
hearing him playing at a wedding in Dooneen, with Ned and Bart
Carty on flutes. They played dance music including schottisches
and barndances. Kenny was a gamekeeper for the local landlord,
Lord DeFreyne, of Frenchpark. Paddy recalls accompanying Pat Kenny
to a concert night at the big house to play for Lady DeFreyne.
There were many people there including John Deane, (Austin's father,
a great stepdancer) and fiddle players Johnny Powell, from Ballinagare,
and John McCormack, from Kilmore. Both men's styles were similar
to Pat Kenny. The night was a great success and continued until
three am. Lady DeFreyne was very fond of traditional music and
highly praised Pat Kenny. After that the musicians returned a
couple of times to the DeFreyne home to play.
Another contemporary of Paddy's, Eugene Connor, also learnt from
Pat Kenny. Eugene was very able and picked up playing very quickly.
Paddy and Eugene would travel around together in Eugene's car,
playing at country house dances. Eugene emigrated to Manchester
in the 1930's where he worked as a steeplejack.
Paddy remembers hearing a story from Michael John Higgins, on
holiday from Manchester, about a music session in a Manchester
pub, where Eugene was the only musician able to comply with a
request to play Lord Gordon's Reel. Eugene played in the Coleman
style, playing all his music, and notably the Templehouse reel.
Eugene also composed songs, and used to write often to Paddy enclosing
his latest offering. He came home on holiday once or twice but
became crippled with arthritis at a relatively early age. When
he was no longer able to play, he sent his fiddle back to Paddy,
who still had the beautiful instrument. Eugene died in Manchester
on the 15th of February, 1969, aged fifty five or fifty six.
Paddy recalls great concerts over the years in Ballinameen School.
Earlier concerts featured Pat Kenny, Jimmy Cunningham, who later
emigrated to the states and died there, Mick McKeon and Joe Banahan
from Camlin, Ballinameen and Dominick Brennan. In later years
players were featured such as, Paddy Kenny from Acres, Ballinameen,
Eugene Duffy, Packie Beirne, a concertina player from Finisklin,
near Breedougue, and Andy Roddy on fiddle. During the winter great
music sessions would be held at Pat Kenny's house, in Tartan,
where all the local musicians would gather.
Paddy married in October, 1945, and had a family of five, two
girls and three boys. One boy tragically died as a child. Paddy's
wife died in January 1973. Paddy died on October 1st, 1999, aged
86 years.
