Arthur O'Neill (harpist) facts for kids

Arthur O'Neill (born in 1726 or 1734, died in 1816) was a famous Irish harp player. He was a master of the cláirseach, which is the traditional Irish harp. Arthur O'Neill lived during a time when the old way of playing the harp was slowly fading away. He worked closely with Edward Bunting, a musician who tried to save this special musical tradition. O'Neill helped the Belfast Harp Society by teaching the harp until 1813. He is well-known for his funny and lively stories about other famous harpers, like Carolan, and about what life was like for musicians back then.

Arthur O'Neill's Life and Stories

Arthur O'Neill was born in a place called Drumnastrade in County Tyrone, probably around 1737. He became blind when he was very young because of an accident. He said, "When I was two years old, I was playing with a pen-knife, and it poked my right eye. I didn't lose my sight right away. My grandmother loved me very much, and she saw my eye was in danger. She sent for eye doctors everywhere to help me. I had to follow all their advice, and because they tried to fix one eye, I sadly lost the sight in both."

He started learning the harp at age ten from Owen Keenan. By the time he was fifteen, he was traveling around the country playing music. His stories are mostly about his journeys and the music competitions he played in. He also shared many funny tales. He knew some of his stories might upset people, especially when he talked about other harpers. For example, he said Arthur Short of Tyrone was "not a very good player" and "very grumpy." But O'Neill didn't care who read his stories! His main musical friend and rival was Charles Fanning. Charles beat him at the Granard Harp Festivals in 1781-1783. O'Neill joked that he lost the first time because he wore his best clothes, making the judges think Fanning, who was dressed simply, deserved the prize more.

O'Neill also said that when he was young, he played and restrung the famous Trinity College Harp. At that time, it was known as the "Brian Boru Harp."

Harp Festivals and the Belfast Harp Society

In July 1792, a musician named Edward Bunting brought O'Neill to Belfast's first Harp Festival. This festival was held to help the Belfast Charitable Society. It happened at the same time as Bastille Day celebrations in the town. There were parades and people talked about new ideas like freedom and fairness for everyone. The festival showed a new feeling of national pride.

Later, in 1808, Bunting brought O'Neill back to Belfast. This time, it was to teach for the Belfast Harp Society. Many people who supported the society were interested in Irish culture and new ideas for their country.

Even though the society had money problems, Arthur O'Neill retired in 1813. He received a pension (regular payments) from Dr. James MacDonnell. O'Neill moved back to County Tyrone. He passed away in 1816 in Maydown, County Armagh. He was buried near where he was born, in the churchyard at Eglish.

Arthur O'Neill's Harps

There is a historic harp, probably from the 1700s, at the Belfast Museum. It is known as the "O'Neill Harp." People say it might have been one of Arthur O'Neill's own instruments, but this is not completely certain. Another harp that belonged to O'Neill was sadly burned after his death by a man named Samuel Patrick, who was described as "a bad harper."