CON CASSIDY

(6th July 1909 - 5th February 1994)

Con Cassidy

Con, a fiddler, was born and reared in Cruachlann, Teileann, where he was exposed to musical influences such as his cousins; John, Paddy and Frank Cassidy. Other players who were prominent at the time included Mick McShane, Jimmy Lyons and Connie Haughey. Apart from periods in the 1940's and 1950's spent working in England and a short time in Belfast, Con lived the rest of his life in Teileann. In 1948 he married Mary Kate McBrearty, also from Teileann and they settled initially at An Cheapach and later in the townland of Iomaire Mhuireanáin where they reared three daughters. His modest character and devilish wit made him a very popular figure in traditional music in south-west Donegal up until his death in 1994. Although a very individual fiddle player with a unique style, Con formed strong playing partnerships with among others, James Byrne, Dermot McLaughlin and Dermot Byrne. Con's playing can be heard on the CDs 'The Brass Fiddle' (1987) and 'Con Cassidy - Traditional Fiddle Music from Donegal.' (2007)

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