Mary Custy facts for kids

Mary Custy is a talented Irish musician. She is famous for playing the fiddle. Mary was born in a musical family in Toonagh, a small town in County Clare, Ireland. Her father, Frank Custy, was a local school teacher.

Mary Custy started learning the fiddle when she was about seven or eight years old. Because her father taught music, many people around her, including her siblings and friends, also played instruments. This musical environment helped Mary grow as a musician. She later joined bands, traveled the world, made music albums, and even opened her own music school.

Mary Custy's Musical Journey

Early Career and World Travels

In 1983, Mary Custy moved to Doolin, a town in Ireland. She lived there for six years and played music with another artist named Eoin O'Neill. While in Doolin, Mary joined a band with her childhood friend, Sharon Shannon.

Mary played with Sharon's band for two years. During this time, she traveled all over the world. She performed with famous musicians like Nanci Griffith in Scotland. She also worked with Donal Lunny in the recording studio.

Teaching Music and Opening a School

In 1995, Mary Custy started teaching music. She first taught group classes, then began giving private lessons. Eventually, she opened her own music school in Ennis, Ireland.

After opening her school, Mary continued to create music. She produced three of her own albums. She also made two albums with Eoin O'Neill.

Exploring Different Musical Styles

Mary Custy and Eoin O'Neill created two albums together. These albums featured many different artists playing various instruments. Sharon Shannon, Mary's friend, was one of the artists on these albums.

In 1999, Mary Custy released her album called After 10:30. This album featured Stephen Flaherty. People described the music as very natural and relaxing, but still lively. It had a different feel compared to her later album, The Mary Custy Band.

Mary's second album, Barr Trá, came out in 2003. The name Barr Trá comes from a town on the coast of West Clare. Like After 10:30, this album was also known for its relaxing music. It included a mix of songs, from Chinese folk songs and a traditional Mexican song to a waltz and a Sicilian tune.

Her last album, The Mary Custy Band, was released in 2007. This album was special because it included instruments not usually found in traditional Irish music. It featured a drum kit and an electric guitar. This showed how Mary Custy's music was growing and changing. After this album, Mary focused more on teaching at her music school.

Mary Custy's Albums

• The Best of Irish Music (1991, with Eoin O'Neill)
• The Ways of the World (1991, with Eoin O'Neill)
• After 10:30 (1999)
• Barr Trá (2003)
• The Mary Custy Band (2007)