Padraig O'Keeffe facts for kids

Pádraig O'Keeffe (Irish: Pádraig Ó Caoimh) (1887 – 1963) was a very famous Irish traditional musician. He was born as Patrick O'Keeffe.

Pádraig was born in Glountane Cross, near Castleisland, in a family of eight children. His family loved music. He was known for his amazing fiddle playing. He even created his own way of writing down music. Many of his students became skilled musicians too. Pádraig was also famous for his quick wit and funny jokes. People often say he was the best fiddle player in the Sliabh Luachra style. Many believe he was one of the greatest fiddlers ever. His passing marked the end of an era for travelling fiddle teachers in Munster.

Pádraig's Early Life

Pádraig was born to John Leahy O'Keeffe and Margaret O'Callaghan. His father was a schoolmaster and a great dancer. His mother played the fiddle and concertina. It was a tradition in that area to send the oldest son to live with his mother's parents. So, Pádraig grew up with his grandparents.

His uncle, Callaghan "Cal" O'Callaghan, lived nearby. Cal had travelled to the United States when he was young. He worked as a buffalo hunter and a logger. While in America, he met many Scottish immigrants. They taught him new tunes and playing styles. When Cal returned home, he played music all the time. He greatly influenced young Pádraig's musical journey.

It is said that Pádraig could tune a fiddle when he was only four years old! He might have had some formal fiddle lessons. However, we do not know who his teacher was.

Life as a School Teacher

Pádraig went to school in Glountane and then Ummeraboy. He later attended Ballydesmond National School for secondary education. After finishing school, he went to Dublin. His father wanted him to train as a national school teacher. In Dublin, Pádraig also learned some music theory.

He returned to Kerry after qualifying. He taught for short periods at different local schools. He also substituted at Glountane. When his father passed away in 1915, Pádraig took over as principal of Glountane National School. This school was right next to his family home.

Pádraig's father was known as a very strict schoolmaster. But Pádraig was different. He was kind and had modern ideas for teaching. He even held lessons outdoors, like the old "hedge schools."

Pádraig did not really enjoy being a school teacher. He was often missing when he should have been teaching. Because of this, he was officially replaced in 1920. This made his mother quite sad. When his mother died in 1938, Pádraig played his fiddle all night long. He was later known for his good baking skills. His sister Nora also baked for him.

After leaving teaching, Pádraig tried to be a cattle dealer. He also worked as a clerk in Tralee. But soon, he returned to what he loved most: teaching music.

Pádraig's Musical Career

Pádraig spent the rest of his life teaching and playing the fiddle. He had a very unique style. He also wrote several tunes, including "Johnny Cope." He often played music at Jack Lyon's pub in Scartaglen.

Many famous musicians were Pádraig's students. These included Denis Murphy, Denis's sister Julia Clifford, and Johnny O'Leary.

His Music Recordings

Pádraig's music was recorded in the late 1940s by Séamus Ennis and later by Séamus Mac Mathúna. These recordings were played on Radio Éireann (RTÉ). Later, the BBC used them in 1952. This made Pádraig famous to many more people. The recordings from the 1940s were later released on a CD in 1993. It was called "Pádraig O'Keeffe: The Sliabh Luachra Fiddle Master."

Remembering Pádraig

Since 1993, a special event has been held to honor him. The "Patrick O'Keeffe Traditional Music Festival" takes place in Castleisland, Kerry. It celebrates his amazing musical legacy.