William Connellan facts for kids
William Connellan was a talented Irish musician who lived in the 1600s. He was a skilled harp player and wrote many beautiful songs. People knew him for his amazing music and for creating popular tunes that were loved by many.
Who Was William Connellan?
William Connellan was born around 1630 in a place called Cloonamahon, in County Sligo, Ireland. He had an older brother named Thomas Connellan, who was also a famous harp player and composer. Both brothers became very well-known for their musical talents.
William's Famous Music
William Connellan is most famous for writing a song called "Molly McAlpine." This song is sometimes also known as "Carolan's Dream." Another very famous Irish harp player and composer, Turlough Carolan, loved "Molly McAlpine" so much! He even said he wished he had written that song himself more than any of his own music. This shows how special William's music was.
William might also have written a tune called "Caoineach Luimnigh," which means "The Lament for Limerick." After his brother Thomas passed away, William traveled a lot. He went to Scotland, where many people knew him and his music. His version of "Luimnigh" became a well-known Scottish tune called "Lochabar No More." He is also believed to have written songs like Love's A Tormenting Pain and possibly Killiecrankie.
What People Said About William
Another harpist named Arthur O'Neill wrote about William Connellan in his memories. He said:
- I heard much of his brother William Connellan, who was a famous harper and a fine composer. He died in the county of Waterford.
