Dinny Delaney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Denis Delaney
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Delaney in 1913
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| Born | 6 August 1841 Tulrush, County Roscommon, Ireland
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| Died | 29 November 1919 (aged 78) Ballinasloe, County Galway, Ireland
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| Occupation | Uilleann Piper |
Denis "Dinny" Delaney (born August 6, 1841 – died November 29, 1919) was a famous blind Irish musician. He played the uilleann pipes, a special type of Irish bagpipes. Dinny lived most of his life in a town called Ballinasloe, in Ireland. Today, a festival named after him, the Dinny Delaney Festival, is held there every year to celebrate his music.
Dinny was born in a place called Tulrush. This area is part of the Ballinasloe parish, but it's in County Roscommon. Even though he was born there, he spent most of his life living in Ballinasloe itself.
Dinny's Early Life and Music
Dinny's parents passed away when he was very young. This left him and his sister without parents. When he was 13 years old, he became sick with smallpox. This illness caused him to lose his eyesight permanently.
As a teenager, Dinny learned to play the uilleann pipes. A traveling musician named Mickey Willis taught him. This was the start of his amazing musical journey.
Becoming a Famous Piper
In 1897, Dinny started entering competitions for playing the uilleann pipes. He won many awards and became very well known. Around this time, recordings were made of him playing his songs. Many of these recordings are still kept safe today, so people can listen to his music.
In 1916, something important happened. Dinny was playing a song called Repeal of the Union outside a police station. This was shortly after the Easter Rising, a big event in Irish history. He was arrested, and his pipes were damaged during the arrest.
People all over the country wanted to help Dinny. They started collecting money to fix his famous instrument. The community quickly raised much more money than was needed. After the pipe-maker was paid, the extra money was given to Dinny. This showed how much people respected and admired him.
Dinny's Unique Skills
A writer named O'Neill described Dinny as a "good, old-time player" with a "rollicking style." He also said Dinny was strong and had a friendly face. Dinny was a central figure in his community.
Even though he was completely blind, Dinny was amazing at judging farm animals. People at fairs and markets would ask for his opinion when buying or selling cattle. It's also surprising that his main job was moving furniture! He could carry a table on his head or a cupboard on his back. He would move safely all over town without any fear. If you saw him, you would never guess he couldn't see.
Dinny was also a great talker. He had many funny stories and a fantastic memory. He was often the life of any gathering he attended. With his charm and musical talent, he was very popular.
Dinny's Family and Later Life
Dinny passed away on November 29, 1919. He died from pneumonia at the Ballinasloe Workhouse infirmary. According to official records, he was 78 years old.
He was married two times. His first marriage was in 1869 to Catherine Coleman. Later, in 1904, he married Maria Flannery.
Dinny's Legacy
The Dinny Delaney Festival is a special event held every year. It lasts for three days and celebrates traditional Irish music, especially the uilleann pipes. The festival takes place in Ballinasloe, Dinny's hometown. It includes concerts, classes where people can learn to play, music sessions, and live online broadcasts. It's a wonderful way to remember Dinny and his contributions to Irish music.
See also
- Uilleann Pipes
- Ballinasloe
