Martin Kenneavy facts for kids

Martin Kenneavy (died around 1890) was a very skilled Irish piper. Pipers are musicians who play the bagpipes. He was known for his amazing talent, especially on the uilleann pipes, a type of bagpipe from Ireland.

About Martin Kenneavy's Life

The Kenneavy or Kinneavy family name is quite rare in Ireland. In the mid-1800s, it was mostly found in County Galway. Martin Kenneavy was one of the few people with this name listed in old records from that time.

A man named Mr. Flanagan, who knew Martin Kenneavy, said he was an incredible musician. He mentioned that Kenneavy played without using the "drone" or "regulator" parts of the bagpipes. He only used the "chanter," which is the part that plays the melody. This showed how truly skilled he was. Mr. Flanagan believed Kenneavy must have started playing as a very young child to be so good.

Military Service and Family Life

Martin Kenneavy served as a soldier for six years. He was part of either the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers or the 12th Royal Lancers, which were both cavalry regiments in the British Army. After his time in the military, he got married. His wife was one of the daughters of Patrick R. Bohan, who was also a well-known piper.

Later Years and Music

Mr. Flanagan also shared another memory of Martin Kenneavy. In 1887, after being away from Ireland for a long time, Mr. Flanagan heard Kenneavy play again. This performance happened in a place called Gibney's tavern, located near Phoenix Park in Dublin. Mr. Flanagan said he learned many great tunes from listening to Kenneavy play that day.

Martin Kenneavy passed away in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. This was around the year 1890.

See also

• List of bagpipers
• List of people from Newcastle upon Tyne