Gerry O'Connor (fiddler) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gerry O'Connor
O'Connor (centre) with "Skylark" on stage at the 1989 Port Fairy Folk Festival, Australia
Background information
Birth name	Gerry O'Connor
Born	Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland
Genres	Irish traditional Folk Celtic music
Occupation(s)	Musician, producer, composer, Music teacher
Years active	1983
Labels	Lughnasa Music Sony Music Claddagh Records Gael Linn
Associated acts	Eithne Ní Uallacháin, Dónal O'Connor, Gilles le Bigot, The Irish Rovers, Oirialla

Gerry "Fiddle" O'Connor is a famous traditional Irish fiddle player. He was born in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. Gerry is known for being a founding member of popular bands like Skylark and La Lúgh.

He travels the world as a solo fiddle player. He also performs with many different music projects.

A Musical Family

Gerry O'Connor comes from a family of musicians. His family has played the fiddle for at least four generations. Gerry learned to play from his mother, Rose O'Connor. He also learned from old hand-written music notes passed down through his family. His father, Peter, was a singer.

Later, Gerry was inspired by John Joe Gardiner, a fiddler from Sligo. Gerry loves to play old tunes that were almost forgotten. Many of these tunes come from his home area in the North East of Ireland. He recorded many of them on his 2004 album, Journeyman.

From 2005 to 2010, Gerry taught traditional music at Dundalk Institute of Technology. During this time, he also earned a special degree. He studied the dance music of a region called Oriel. His research was later published as a book called The Rose in the Gap in 2018. In 2018, a group called CCE gave Gerry a special Gradam award. This award was for his lifelong contributions to traditional arts.

Bands and Collaborations

Gerry O'Connor is a founding member of three music groups. One of these is Skylark, which recorded four albums. He also formed La Lúgh with Eithne Ní Uallacháin. Their album Brighid's Kiss was voted album of the year in 1996. More recently, he released an album called Oirialla with his new band. This album features many new songs and tunes from South Ulster.

Gerry has also played with the Irish Baroque Orchestra. He helped put together a book and CD called "I have Travelled this Country." This collection features many traditional songs.

Since 2006, Gerry has toured every year with French guitarist Gilles le Bigot. They recorded a live album together called In Concert in DZ. They have performed in many countries, including France, Germany, and Canada.

In 2013, Gerry joined The Irish Rovers. This legendary band has been playing for over 50 years. He continues to tour with them and has recorded on all their albums since 2011.

Other Talents

When Gerry is not touring, he is also a skilled violin maker. He works on restoring and supplying beautiful musical instruments.

He also helped with the music for the 2003 film "Boys and Girls of County Clare." He worked as a fiddle coach for the actors in the movie.

Recently, Gerry has been working on a project called Compánach. This is a special show that features music and songs. It helps people understand Irish Traditional music better. A double CD of the show has been recorded.

Family Life

Gerry is married to Síle Boylan, who is also a fiddle player. They have two young children together.

Gerry was previously married to singer Eithne Ní Uallacháin. She passed away in 1999. Their oldest son, Dónal, is a fiddler and music producer. He plays with bands like At First Light. Their daughter, Siubhán, is a lawyer. She also plays the fiddle and sings. Their second son, Feilimí, is a television director and producer. He is also a singer. Gerry and Eithne's third son, Finnian, plays the Uilleann Pipes. He has toured in Europe and the USA with dance shows.

Discography

Here are some of the albums Gerry O'Connor has been a part of:

Solo Albums

• Last Night's Joy (2018)
• Companach (2018) – a double CD from his audio-visual show
• Oirialla (2011)
• White Raven: The Place where Life Began (2006)
• In Concert, with Gilles le Bigot (2005)
• Jig Away the Donkey (2011)
• Journeyman (2004)
• Merry Merry Time of Year (2011) – with The Irish Rovers

With Lá Lúgh

• Bilingua (2014)
• Senex Puer (1998)
• Brighid's Kiss (1996)
• Lá Lúgh (1991)
• Cosa gan Bhróga (1987)

With Skylark

• Raining Bicycles (1996)
• Light and Shade (1992)
• All of It (1989)
• Skylark (1987)