A Musical Landscape - 'Gleann Cholmcille'
KITTY 'SEÁN' CUNNINGHAM
(24th October
1919 - )
Kitty 'Seán'
Kitty is steeped in the music and dance tradition
of Teileann, from both her family and neighbours in Cruachlann, where
she was born in October 1919. Her grandmother, Bidí John Chiotín was
a fine lilter as was her father, Paddy MacSeain. Through
Bidí, Kitty was related to the Cassidys, John, Paddy and Frank and
their cousin, Con. She also spent much
time in the company of Máire,
Peadar and Conal ÓBeirn, Baile an
tSrutháin, a house highly regarded locally for both storytelling and
music. It was here that Kitty picked up much of her repertoire of lilting
and song, including tunes such as 'Báthadh Phroclais', 'Taibhse
Chonaill' and 'Na Smeara'.
Though in her ninetieth year, Kitty is the life and soul of every session
she attends where she generously passes on her repertoire and is a great source
of encouragemnt for the younger generation of musicians in south-west Donegal.