Packie Duignan facts for kids
Patrick "Packie" Duignan (born May 5, 1922 – died 1992) was a very famous Irish flute player. Many people loved his music during his lifetime. Packie was born in Aughabehy, a place in the beautiful Arigna Mountains of County Roscommon, Ireland.
Packie started learning to play music on a simple Clarke's whistle. He would listen to old records (called 78s) by another great musician, John McKenna. McKenna's strong, rhythmic style really influenced Packie's playing. From 1958 to 1973, Packie played in a céilí band called Shannon Star. This band was based in Drumshanbo.
He recorded an album called "Traditional Music from County Leitrim" in 1978 with fiddler Séamus Horan. Some songs from this album later appeared on another CD called "Irish Traditional Music." Packie also appeared on many television and radio shows. In his later years, he mostly played music in places like Drumshanbo, Keadue, and Arigna with Séamus Horan and bouzouki player Ciarán Emmett.
Packie Duignan was known for his great sense of humor and always enjoyed having fun. He passed away in 1992 after a short illness. He was buried with his flute in the cemetery next to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Arigna, near his family members.
Remembering Packie Duignan
Packie Duignan was a very respected musician in the Lough Allen area. His music still inspires many people who love traditional Irish folk music. Younger flute and tin whistle players, like Catherine McEvoy and Mary Bergin, have said that Packie's music influenced them a lot.
In 1995, a special CD was made to honor Packie. It was called "A Tribute to Packie Duignan" and featured a concert with musicians like Tommy Guihen and Patsy Hanly. Every year, a tribute weekend is held in Drumshanbo in late January. Many bands and players come together to celebrate Packie's music. There is also a special plaque in the center of Drumshanbo to remember him.
Packie Duignan Festival
On January 26, 2007, the first official Packie Duignan Traditional weekend began. It was organized by Comhaltas Drumshanbo, a group that promotes Irish traditional music. After a memorial for Duignan was opened, there was a very successful music session at Conway's corner house, which was Packie's local pub. On the Saturday, there were workshops where people could learn to play the flute, tin whistle, bodhrán (an Irish drum), fiddle, and even learn Sean-nós dancing.
Packie's Family
Packie Duignan had a very large family. They live in different parts of the midlands and west of Ireland. His family history goes back to the O'Duigenan bards and scribes from Kilronan in the 13th century. Some of his family still live in the Arigna area, but many have moved to other places, especially to England, Wales and America.
Packie's Recordings
Here are some of the recordings Packie Duignan was part of:
- Music From County Leitrim, with Seamus Horan(Flute) Topic 1978
- Traditional Music from County Leitrim
- Irish Traditional Music
- A Tribute To Packie Duignan
- Happy To Meet You Sorry To Part
In 2009, a song called Bridie Morley/Duignan's Favourite was included in a special boxed set. This song was recorded with Seamus Horan from the Music from County Leitrim album. It was part of Three Score and Ten, a collection celebrating 70 years of Topic Records.
