Eithne Ní Uallacháin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eithne Ní Uallacháin
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Eithne, taken by her husband Gerry O'Connor
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Eithne Carmel Ní Uallacháin |
| Born | 10 January 1957 Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland |
| Died | 19 May 1999 (aged 42) Carlingford, County Louth, Ireland |
| Genres | Irish traditional Folk Celtic music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer Musician Composer Teacher |
| Years active | 1983–1999 |
| Labels | Gael Linn Sony Music Lughnasa Music |
| Associated acts | Gerry O'Connor Dónal O'Connor Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin |
Eithne Ní Uallacháin (born January 10, 1957 – died May 19, 1999) was an Irish singer, songwriter, and teacher. She came from County Louth, Ireland.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Eithne grew up in a family that spoke Irish. Her father, Pádraig Ó hUallacháin, was a teacher and writer. He also collected old songs from the Oriel area. He encouraged Eithne and her brothers and sisters to sing.
Eithne loved music from a young age. She said her family's passion for the Irish language and learning was the base for all her music. Her father's love of songs guided her life's path.
While studying at the University of Ulster in Coleraine, Eithne met other music lovers. She performed with friends like Brian Mullen and Gary Hastings. On weekends, she would go home and look for music sessions. This is how she met Gerry O'Connor, a fiddle player. They married in 1978.
Music Career and Albums
Teaching and First Album: Cosa Gan Bhróga
In the 1980s, Eithne became a teacher. She taught at Gaelscoil Dhún Dealgan, an Irish-speaking primary school in Dundalk, County Louth.
In 1986, Eithne worked with her husband Gerry and flute player Desi Wilkinson. They recorded an album called 'Cosa Gan Bhróga'. It was released in 1987 by Gael Linn. This album was later re-released in 2013. While performing in France, Eithne met Gilles le Bigot. She asked him to play on her next album with Gerry.
Forming Lá Lugh and New Music
In 1991, Eithne and Gerry released their first album as a duo. It was called 'Lá Lugh'. The name means "The Day of Lugh," inspired by an Irish deity named Lugh Lámhfhada. This album came out on Claddagh Records.
Eithne focused on songs from the Oriel region. She found these songs from old collectors and other singers. She also started writing new melodies for old Irish traditional songs. The album was recorded by Shaun 'Mudd' Wallace. He would later record all of Eithne's future music. In 1993, Eithne performed with Dan Ar Braz. She also toured Germany with the band Capercaillie.
After 'Lá Lugh', Eithne and Gerry formed a band with the same name. In 1995, they started recording their second album. This album focused on Eithne's songwriting and Gerry's fiddle playing.
Brighid's Kiss and Success
Their album, Brighid's Kiss, was released in 1995. It included many of the same musicians from their first album. Two of their children, Dónal and Siubhán, also played on it. The album was very popular.
Eithne's songs Brighid's Kiss and Tá Sé Ina Lá were well-liked. Tá Sé Ina Lá was inspired by the Northern Ireland peace process. These songs were later sung by many other artists. Lá Lugh started appearing on TV and touring in Europe. Brighid's Kiss was named Album Of The Year by Irish Music Magazine in 1996.
Brighid's Kiss caught the attention of Sony Music. They signed Lá Lugh to their record label. Before recording their next album, Lá Lugh toured many European countries. These included France, Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. In 1998, Lá Lugh released Senex Puer. This new album included some re-recorded songs from Brighid's Kiss.
Solo Album: Bilingua
In 1998, Eithne began recording a solo album. She finished her singing parts, and much of the music was arranged. Sadly, Eithne passed away on May 19, 1999. Because of this, the album was not released right away.
Her husband, Gerry O'Connor, focused on raising their children. Their son, Dónal, later worked with Shaun 'Mudd' Wallace to finish the album.
The album was finally released in 2014, 15 years after it was recorded. It was called Bilingua, named after one of its songs. Bilingua was released with Gael Linn, the same label that released Eithne's first album. Many famous musicians and friends wrote tributes for the album. Reviews for Bilingua were very positive.
Musical Style and Influence
Eithne was known for her beautiful singing and flute playing. She inspired many other singers and musicians. When Bilingua was released, tributes came from artists like Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Karen Matheson, and Mary Black.
Family Life
Eithne married fiddle player Gerry O'Connor in 1978. They had four children together: Dónal, Siubhán, Feilimí, and Finnian. Eithne's sister, Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin, is also a singer and scholar.
Albums by Eithne Ní Uallacháin
- 2014 — Bilingua
- 1998 — Senex Puer
- 1996 — Brighid's Kiss
- 1992 — Lá Lugh
- 1987 — Cosa Gan Bhróga
