Josie McDermott

Josie McDermott (born 1925, County Sligo, Ireland -died 1992) was a legendary flute and whistle player, composer and singer Irish musician.cite web | author=Tom Walsh | title="Darby's Farewell" | work=MusTrad.org| url=http://www.mustrad.org.uk/reviews/mcdermot.htm| accessdate=26 January | accessyear=2008] Josie McDermott lived all of his life in the townland of Coolmeen, County Sligo, albeit just outside Ballyfarnan, County Roscommon, an area where many famous Irish musicians have come from. McDermott used to visit the local house dances and was taught music by James Flynn, a local fiddler. Later he travelled with his whistle, fife and flute and played at many a session or dance throughout the countryside. While "trad" music was his first love, his interests were much broader; he sang in a modern band for a while as a youngster and later joined various combinations playing saxophone and trumpet, also enjoying country and western music, jazz, and ceilí.

In 1962 he contracted severe eczema and lost his sight, living as a blind man for the last 30 years of his life. He continued playing both in a ceilí and a modern dance band. He died a bachelor with no close relatives in 1992.

Legacy

Josie McDermott is commemorated annually at a memorial festival in Ballyfarnan, the Josie McDermott Memorial Festival, which includes the Josie McDermott Perpetual Cup Concert Flute Competition.

All Ireland titles

McDermott won the All-Ireland title at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in three different disciplines. In 1964 he won the tin whistle title, in 1967 the lilting and the flute in 1972.

Discography

Albums

*"Darby's Farewell" (2000)

References

Links

* http://www.copperplateconsultants.com/copp020.html
* http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/JOI_JOY.htm
* http://www.greylarsen.com/extras/darkmoon/linernotes.php