Cornelius Larkin, Barnaboy

 

Getting in some practice, Neilly enjoyed playing his fiddle in the outdoors.

Courtesy: Lily Larkin Hayes

 

Neiley in later years

Courtesy: Naoise Larkin

Cornelius Larkin, always known as Neilly, was born in the family home in Kylemore in 1900.  He attended the old Abbey National School, near the Church where Miss Donnelly was teacher.  Interested in music, Neilly and his brother Bob learned to play the fiddle, most likely from some of the older musicians in the area.  They became accomplished fiddle players and played at all the local functions, concerts and house dances.  They were always in demand with their fiddle-playing neighbour ‘Farmer Larkin’.

Neilly’s other interest was hurling and as a young boy in Abbey National School, he suffered a serious eye injury while playing hurling.  Neilly spent long periods in hospital in Dublin and although he had restricted sight, he never allowed his eye problem to hinder him in anything he wanted to achieve.  He showed a great interest in carpentry and became a skilled tradesman working all his life at his trade throughout the locality.

Around 1920, Neilly’s brother Bob inherited a farm, with thatched house in Barnaboy.  Bob and Neilly moved to Barnaboy and built a new house.  Bob married Molly Conway in 1933.  Neilly continued to live there with Bob, Molly and their family.  Neilly lived a long and busy life and was a popular uncle to his nieces and nephews .  He died in 1995 and although he was sadly missed throughout his community, he has not been forgotten.