Music and conversation with Mick Mulcahy

Mick Mulcahy in conversation with Iarfhlaith Ó Domhnaill.

Recorded in Queally's Bar, Miltown Malbay, during Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2022.

Mick Mulcahy, from Brosna, Co. Kerry, is a living legend in Irish accordion and melodeon playing, with a rare repertoire of old tunes, which he plays in a highly distinctive style. Mick learned to play the accordion from his uncle as a child. One of Mick’s earliest musical memories was listening to Ciarán MacMathúna’s Radio Éireann programme ‘A Job of Journeywork’ which featured Mrs. Crotty, Pádraig O’ Keeffe, Denis Murphy and Julia Clifford. Mick’s father bought him his first accordion in 1956 and in 1968 Mick was chosen to represent Kerry in RTÉ’s All Ireland ‘Spot the Talent’ Competition, which he won. Mick was asked to join the Brosna Ceilí Band in the mid 60’s by fiddle player Donal O’Connor. The Brosna went on to win the Senior Ceilí Band title at the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in 1972 in Listowel.

Timecode
0:00 - Intro
0:10 - Interview
11:24 - The ferry to Clare (comp. Mick Mulcahy), jig ; Kilglass lake (comp. John McEvoy), jig
13:33 - Interview
16:35 - The three sIsters (comp. Tom Doherty), reel ; The trip to Spiddal (comp. Mick Mulcahy)
18:28 - Interview
20:17 - The road to Gloutane (The Kerry Fling), fling
21:41 - Interview
23:23 - The dairy maid, reels

Recording date: 5 July 2022