Travellers have played an important role in the development of music in Ireland. Traditionally they brought music to every town and village, playing in the streets for all to hear. The instruments mostly associated with Travellers are the mouth organ, tin whistle, fiddle, banjo and uilleann pipes. Instruments or the skill to make them were handed down through the families. Many Travellers were skilled in making instruments using ash, sycamore, elder. Sheepskin sealed with beeswax was used to make the bag of the uilleann pipes. Bog oak was used for the base of the chanter on the pipes.
Piping
One aspect of traditional music on which Travellers have had an impact since ancient times is uilleann pipe playing. The Travellers’ role in piping has been significant since the instrument was first played. The Travellers’ style of playing was standing with a foot resting on a walking stick or box with the pipes resting across the raised leg. Some famous piping families from the past were the Dorans from Co. Wicklow, the Cashs from Co. Wexford and the Byrnes from Co. Carlow. Two present day families are the Fureys and the Keenans. The Traveller style of piping has influenced many other musicians in Ireland.
Fiddling
The fiddle was introduced into Ireland in the early 18th. century. A distinctive style of fiddling developed in Donegal through the Traveller families –Doherties, Gallaghers, McSweeneys and McConnells. This style has influenced many musicians throughout Ireland and abroad. One Traveller, Hugh Doherty, played a part in bringing the fiddle to Donegal in the 1800’s and he was also one of the first to play the uilleann pipes in that area.
Another famous fiddler was Stephen Dunne from Galway. He appeared on the Late Late Show playing a box fiddle he made.
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Travellers have a distinct style of singing. They sing with great depth, strength and vigour in their voices. Traveller singing has mainly been performed out of doors, either around the campfires in the evenings or on the streets and at fairs. It is an area where women have played a big role. Margaret Barry is one woman who achieved fame as a singer. Many songs have been written about Travellers. (Source:- A Heritage Ahead, Pavee Point Publications) Lilting In the absence of an instrument Travellers improvised, using what was provided by nature. Playing music by blowing through a blade of grass, or an ivy leaf or a comb covered with paper. Another form of music making was lilting. Travellers could lilt jigs and reels when music was required for dancing. Lilting still survives today. The McDonaghs were another famous musical family. John McDonagh was one of the best pipers of his time. His daughter, Bridget, taught herself to play the fiddle. As a street musician she supported her thirteen children. |
