Máire McDonnell-Garvey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Máire McDonnell-Garvey
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| Born |
Máire McDonnell
10 July 1927 Tobracken, County Roscommon, Ireland
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| Died | 29 August 2009 Dublin, Ireland
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Education | B.A., HDip. |
| Alma mater | University College Dublin |
| Known for | Traditional Irish music |
Máire McDonnell-Garvey was a talented Irish musician and writer. She was born on July 10, 1927, and lived until August 29, 2009. Máire loved traditional Irish music and spent her life sharing it with others. She played the violin and wrote books about Irish music and history.
Contents
Máire McDonnell-Garvey: A Life in Music and Writing
Early Life and Education
Máire McDonnell was born on July 10, 1927. Her hometown was Tobracken in County Roscommon, Ireland. She was one of three children in her family. Her parents were James McDonnell and Annie Theresa Talbot.
Máire went to school at the Sisters of Charity in Ballaghadereen. Sadly, her mother passed away while Máire was still in school. She learned to play the violin from a teacher named PJ Giblin.
Family Life and Teaching
In 1948, Máire married Bob Garvey. They moved to Walkinstown, a town in Dublin. Máire and Bob had five children together.
Máire was also a dedicated teacher. For 25 years, she taught night classes for Conradh na Gaeilge. This group works to promote the Irish language. She also served as the secretary for the Dublin County Board of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. This organization helps promote traditional Irish music, song, dance, and language. Máire also spent time at the St Mary's Music Club in Dublin.
A Passion for Irish Music
Máire McDonnell-Garvey was a very active musician. In the 1940s, she played with a group called the Aiséirigh Céilí Band. Later, in the 1960s, she played with the Eamonn Ceannt Céilí Band.
Máire, along with Dónal Ó hÉalaí and Ciaráin Ó Rathallaigh, started a traditional music group. They called their group Comhrá na dTonn.
Collecting and Researching Music
Máire and her group also worked hard to collect and research Irish music. This important work led to her first book. It was titled Mid-Connaught – The Ancient Territory of Sliabh Lugha. This book was about the history and music of areas like Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, and Galway.
Máire wrote two more books as well. These were A Traditional Music Journey 1600 – 2000 and Under the Shadow of the Summerhills. Her books helped preserve and share Irish musical traditions.
Continuing Her Education
Even after starting her family and career, Máire went back to college. She was a mature student at University College Dublin. In 1970, she earned a B.A. degree. She studied Irish, history, and English.
After her B.A., she completed a Higher Diploma in Education. This allowed her to teach in schools. Máire then taught at Ardscoil Éanna and Collinstown Park Community College.
Musical Recordings and Legacy
Máire McDonnell-Garvey performed on several music albums. These included The Windy Turn and Whispering Strains of the Past. She also made sure that her old violin teacher's music was reissued. This special album was called The Giblin Legacy.
In 2007, Máire received a special award. It was called a Gradam award. The Douglas Hyde Summer School gave her this award. It was to honor her amazing contributions to traditional Irish music throughout her life.
Máire McDonnell-Garvey passed away in Dublin on August 29, 2009. She left behind a wonderful legacy of music, writing, and teaching.
