Donnchadh Ó hAmhsaigh facts for kids

Donnchadh Ó hAmhsaigh (pronounced Dun-kha Oh HAWMP-see), also known as Denis Hampsey or Denis Hempson, was a famous Irish harp player. He was born around 1695 and lived for a very long time, passing away in 1807. He was one of the last of the old Irish harpers.

His Early Life and Home

Donnchadh Ó hAmhsaigh was born in a place called Craigmore, in County Londonderry, Ireland, in 1695. His parents were from the area around Magilligan, also in County Londonderry. This is where Donnchadh grew up and where he first started learning to play music.

Becoming a Musician

Donnchadh began playing the harp on his own when he was about 18 years old, which was around 1713. His first supporter was a man named Counsellor Canning from Garvagh. Mr. Canning, along with two other friends, bought Donnchadh his very own harp. This harp is now known as The Downhill Harp.

For the next ten years, Donnchadh traveled a lot. He played his harp all over Ireland and even went to Scotland.

Playing for a Prince

During his second trip to Scotland in 1745, something exciting happened. He was in Edinburgh when Charley the Pretender (a prince who wanted to be king) was there. Donnchadh was asked to play his harp in a big hall. He played a tune called "The king shall enjoy his own again." He even sang some words that showed his support for the prince.

Donnchadh later said that he heard the prince speak, asking for someone named "Sylvan" (who he meant to call Sullivan). This shows how close he was to important historical events.

His Music and Harp

Donnchadh Ó hAmhsaigh had many favorite tunes. Some of them included 'Coolin', 'The Dawning of the Day', 'Ellen a Roon', and 'Cean Dubh Dilis'.

He did play some music by another famous Irish harpist named Turlough Carolan. However, Donnchadh thought Carolan's music was a bit too modern for his taste. He really admired Cornelius Lyons, who was also a harpist around Carolan's time. Donnchadh enjoyed playing Lyons's beautiful, older style of music.

The Belfast Harp Festival

In 1792, Donnchadh played at a very important event called the Belfast Harp Festival. This festival brought together many harpists to celebrate Irish music. A musician named Mr. Bunton visited Donnchadh before the festival to learn his tunes and his special way of playing. Donnchadh was very proud of his traditional style. He once said, "When I played the old tunes, not another of the harpers would play after me." This shows how unique and skilled he was.

The Downhill Harp

Donnchadh's harp is now known as the Downhill Harp. It was made in 1702 by a person named Cormac O Kelly. After Donnchadh passed away, the harp went to the home of his last supporter, Rev. Hervey Bruce, at Downhill House. That's how it got its name.

The harp has a cool inscription on it: [IN THE] TIME OF NOAH I WAS GREEN [SINCE] HIS FLOOD I HAVE NOT BEEN SEEN UNTIL 17 HUNDRED AND 02 I WAS FOUND BY CR KELLY UNDER GROUND HE RAISED ME UP TO THAT DEGREE QUEEN OF MUSICK YU MAY CALL ME

Today, you can see the Downhill Harp on display in the Guinness Storehouse museum in Dublin.

His Later Years

Late in his life, Donnchadh Ó hAmhsaigh returned to Magilligan. When he was 86 years old, he got married to a woman from Inishowen. He joked about their marriage, saying, "I can't tell if it was not the devil buckled us together, she being lame and I blind."

They had one daughter, who later married a cooper (someone who makes barrels). This family helped take care of Donnchadh in his old age. Even though he couldn't leave the house, he still dreamed of going on musical trips.

Donnchadh was known for his healthy habits. He was always sober. His favorite drink used to be beer, but later it was milk and water. He mostly ate potatoes.

A kind nobleman, Lord Bristol, helped Donnchadh's family. He gave Donnchadh money and land to build a house. Lord Bristol also helped them during a difficult time when food was expensive.

Donnchadh Ó hAmhsaigh is buried in St. Aiden's Church graveyard in Magilligan, County Londonderry.

His Nickname

Donnchadh was sometimes called the man with two heads. This was because he had a large growth, or wen, on his neck and shoulders. Before he died, this growth became almost as big as his head, which led to his unusual nickname.

See also

• Belfast Harp Festival