Mickey Finn (Irish fiddler) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mickey Finn
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Finn in 1982
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| Background information | |
| Born | 31 December 1951 Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland |
| Died | 15 April 1987 (aged 35) |
| Genres | Folk, traditional Irish music |
| Occupations | Musician |
| Instruments | Fiddle |
| Associated acts | Dicklerfitz |
Mickey Finn (born December 31, 1951 – died April 15, 1987) was an amazing Irish fiddler. He was a very important part of the traditional music scene in Galway, Ireland, during the 1970s and 1980s. He played with many famous artists like Mary Coughlan, Mick Lally, and Christy Moore.
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Mickey Finn's Early Life
Mickey Finn was born in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland. He started learning to play the fiddle in the early 1960s. In 1963, his family moved to Ballinrobe, County Mayo. There, a teacher named Brother Forrestal helped him. Brother Forrestal taught Mickey the special fiddle style of Sligo fiddler Michael Coleman.
In 1965, Mickey and his friends Joe Heneghan (piano) and Seamus O'Malley (accordion) formed a trio. They came in second place at the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil Finals for Under 14 Instrumental Trio. This big music competition was held in Thurles. Mickey also won third place in Ireland for individual fiddle playing in the Under 14 category at the same event.
Mickey Finn's Music Career
In 1970, Mickey Finn moved to Galway. He quickly became well-known for his unique style of playing. He mixed traditional Irish music with rock and jazz sounds. People loved that he never played a traditional tune the same way twice! He was a regular at music sessions, especially at the Cellar Bar.
Famous fiddler Frankie Gavin said that Mickey Finn influenced many musicians in Galway. Mickey's creative way of playing helped shape the sound of music in the city.
Playing with Other Artists
Mickey Finn often played with other talented musicians.
Mick Lally
Actor Mick Lally was also part of the music sessions at the Cellar Bar. At that time, Mick was known more for his singing than his acting. He was especially good at singing funny songs in the traditional Irish sean-nós style.
Mary Coughlan
The famous blues singer Mary Coughlan was a close friend of Mickey Finn. When she recorded a song called 'Delaney's Gone Back on the Wine', she dedicated it to him. This showed how much she valued their friendship and his music.
The Band Dicklerfitz
In the early 1970s, Mickey Finn helped start a group called Dicklerfitz. He played with singer and guitarist Terry Smith and flute player Mick Treacy. Later, in 1974, Alec Finn (who was not related to Mickey) joined the group.
Many other musicians also played with Dicklerfitz. These included Frankie Gavin, Gerry Carthy, Pete Galligan, Charlie Harris, Johnny McDonagh, Sean Tyrrell, and Jerry Mulvihill. Singers like Dolores Keane, Mary Coughlan, and Mary Staunton also joined their sessions. These musical gatherings eventually led to the formation of the famous band De Dannan. In 1976, Dicklerfitz even opened for the popular band Planxty in Galway.
Collaborations with Christy Moore
The well-known singer Christy Moore has many memories of his time with Mickey Finn in Galway. Christy mentioned on his website that a song called "Hard Cases" reminded him of playing at the Cellar Bar with Mickey. Christy Moore also mentioned Mickey Finn in his own song "Sodom & Begorrah". In August 1987, Christy dedicated "Hard Cases" to Mickey. He said that visiting Galway would never be the same without him.
Mickey Finn in Films and Radio
Mickey Finn also appeared in some films. In 1985, he was in a Welsh TV movie called Pair of Shoes (Pâr o Sgidiau). This was a comedy-drama road movie. He also appeared in the 1975 film Caoineadh Airt Uí Laoire by Bob Quinn. These two films are the only places where you can see videos of Mickey Finn playing.
In March 2008, a radio show called No Cure for Mickey Finn was broadcast on RTÉ. The show talked about his music and his personality. It was even nominated for an award!
Mickey Finn's Musical Family
Mickey Finn came from a very musical family. His parents were both excellent piano players. His father, Bill, even composed his own tunes. One of Bill's tunes was later rearranged by Mickey into a slow, beautiful piece. After Mickey's death, this tune became known as "Mickey Finn's Air."
"Mickey Finn's Air" was recorded by tin whistler Seán Ryan on his CD Minstrel's Fancy (1995). Alec Finn also recorded it on his CD Blue Shamrock (1995). Both recordings give credit to Bill Finn for composing the original tune.
Mickey Finn had a wife named Lena Ullman, who plays the five-string banjo in an Americana band called Moonshine. He also had a daughter named Sadie. His brothers, Billy (who plays flute, whistles, and pipes) and Johnny (a guitarist and singer-songwriter), are also musicians. His sisters, Elizabeth, Mary, and Jackie, are all singers or piano players.
