Musical Tribute to Aggie Whyte Ryan

Famous Irish Traditional Fiddle Player

Frances Holohan

Máirín Fahy beside the banner of her Aunt Aggie Whyte Ryan

Bank Holiday Monday will be remembered by all who came to Abbey Community Centre on 18th March 2019 to pay tribute to Aggie Whyte Ryan the person who had been nominated by Abbey and District Heritage to represent this locality in the ‘Our Irish Women’ exhibition.  The audience was treated to a feast of the very best of Irish Traditional Music by more than twenty adult musicians who came along to participate in this special event.  Young musicians from Ballinakill and Abbey also took part, showing that the wonderful tradition is still alive and well in the area.

A section of the large attendance showing young musicians on stage

Special guest was Máirín Fahy, niece of Aggie Whyte, also a renowned international fiddle player, who set the tone for the afternoon when she played Aggie’s 300-year-old fiddle.

Máirín Fahy tells the story of her Aunt Aggie’s 300 year old fiddle

Her brothers Ger and Terry and sister Yvonne, members of the well-known Fahy Family of Trad on the Prom fame were joined by a host of musicians, some of whom would have played with Aggie in the past.

Ger, Yvonne and Terry Fahy join a host of musicians at the event

Aggie’s daughter, Kathleen, talks about growing up in a musical household

Young Musicians from Ballinakill carry on the great tradition

World champion dancer Dara Kelly entertains the audience

Former Bunratty Singer, Aggie’s daughter Maureen, shares her singing talent

Listening attentively to the singer

Aggie’s grand-daughter and great grand children show their appreciation

Hope everyone got a cup of tea!

Exhibition banners on display around the hall

All photos courtesy Jim Hynes, Portumna

 

This page was added on 31/03/2019.

Comments about this page

  • Great story about the passing down of musical talent. Love all of these wonderful photos.

    By Kerry White (31/01/2021)
  • What a fabulous account of a wonderful event celebrating the deep-rooted musical tradition in the Abbey area. These photographs really capture some special moments, thank you for sharing.

    By Lorna Elms (10/04/2019)

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.