Sean McCarthy (songwriter) explained

Sean McCarthy (1923 - 1990), a native of Finuge, County Kerry, Ireland, was an Irish songwriter. He was born one of 10 children, on 5 July 1923.[1] He wrote ballads including "Step It Out Mary", "Shanagolden", "Red Haired Mary" "In Shame Love, In Shame" and "Highland Paddy". In 1973 a collection of his songs was published in Listowel, County Kerry.[2]

"Poet, author, folklorist and traditional music aficionado" Mattie Lennon wrote a play about the life and works of Sean McCarthy entitled "And All his Songs Were Sad".[3] It was produced by the Pantagleize Theatre Company in Fort Worth, Texas October 2010. It received a poor local review.[4]

A festival in honour of McCarthy is held every August in his home village of Finuge.[5] The festival includes ballad and story writing competitions. Finuge has one of the oldest surviving authentic thatched cottages in Ireland, estimated to be at least 300 years old.[6] The house, Sheahan's Thatched Cottage is owned by the Festival Committee.[7]

Discography

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2009-08-05 . Finuge celebrates the life of Sean McCarthy . 2024-06-10 . Irish Independent . en.
  2. Book: Sean. McCarthy. The Songs of Sean McCarthy. 1973. Donal O'Sullivan Castle Printing. Listowel, Co.Kerry.
  3. Web site: ScriptCircle: And All his Songs Were Sad by (theatre play script). www.scriptcircle.co.uk.
  4. Web site: Noteboom. Kris. Review: And All His Songs Were Sad Pantagleize Theatre Company Fort Worth Public Market Complex. TheaterJones.com. 18 September 2010.
  5. Web site: Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend. 14 January 2017.
  6. Web site: Sean McCarthy Memorial . 2024-06-10 . www.finugeweekend.com.
  7. Web site: Sheahan's Thatched Cottage. 14 January 2017.