Track 154: Michael C. Hanafin: Lord Gordon's Reel

This week's disc features fiddler Michael C. Hanafin's take on Lord Gordon's with Dan Sullivan on piano accompaniment. Hanafin was born near Milltown, Co. Kerry and immigrated to Boston towards the end of the 19th century.

Recorded in 1926 and released on the Columbia label (33113-F). From the Comer Collection, Comer 78 00-032.

Comer 78 00-032

Michael C. Hanafin: Lord Gordon's Reel

Part 5 No 21 - New Polka Dad Tp 18

Harrington 17" set.
Peter Hunter C chanter (Harrington is still in the workshop being resuscitated)
Repairs to date:
Bass drone slide repair by Ted Colgan 1980s
Bass drone stand repair by Bill Haneman 2014
I removed the bass regulator in 2013.  It was not an original Harrington though an attempt had been made to match the ivory end mount but not reed cap mount which is a large hockey-puck.  My feeling is that the bass reg may have been made by Coyne.  Removing this regulator brings the set back to what I feel it was originally – a 2-reg, 3-drone set.
Main stock replaced in 2013 by Bill Haneman (original was badly split and had been turned down and covered with a brass artillery shell, some time previous to 1955 when the set was purchased from Leo Rowsome by my parents)

Ronan Browne C Harri. Rolling in the Ryegrass & The Doon Reel

Paddy Cronin & Frank Neylon: the Butcher's March / Old Man Dillon (jigs)

This recording was made in 1963 in the home of Bridie Lafferty at Homefarm Road in Dublin. At that time Joe Cooley was visiting Ireland from Chicago, and brought along John Lavelle who he had been teaching in America. They joined up with Joe Leary and Ciaran MacMathuna caught them before they left Dublin. 

Several of the tracks in this recording were used to create the "Cooley" LP later published in 1975.

Unfortunately there are only two tracks of John Lavelle on the recording, but they are great tracks of music. It's interesting to hear John's take on Cooley's music -- it's undoubtedly got the same pulse and swing, and yet is so different from Tony MacMahon, despite both being heavily influenced by Cooley. Another neat chance to see how different people develop different personal musical styles regardless of their teaching.

Apparently at the time of this recording John had just been taught the Trip to Durrow by Aggie Whyte. It is said that Cooley had not yet learned it!

There are 3 additional tracks that are part of this recording but have somehow gone missing from my copy of it. If you have them, please do let me know so that I can make it complete -- I think the last couple tracks include duets of Joe and John.

Live on Radio Éireann

Ciaran MacMathuna: Welcomes Joe Cooley Home

Recorded at home in Co Cork while listening to the radio . Tese are very rare recordings from Macroom 1966 recorded by Ciaran MacMathuna for Radio Eireann.
We thank Jerry O Leary for this treasure and for donating once again to the Archives

Denis Murphy,Johnny O Leary,Seán Ó Cronin -1956

This recording was donated to the Archives by Jackie Daly himself and possibly it’s the first time that he appeared on National Radio. Little did presenter Micheál Ó Dómhnail know how true his words were and the influence that Jackie still has 51 years later.
Today is June 22 - 2025 and a Happy Birthday to Jackie who is 80 years young

Jackie Daly  - Long Note Rte Radio Programme  1974

Drowsy Maggie, Callaghan's

The old brass Denis Harrington pipes playing in C.  Drones reeded but not regs yet.
Chanter is my C from Peter Hunter (early 80s) – full of attitude and spark!
New hollow stock from Bill Haneman with extremely thin walls allowing the bees to escape beautifully.
YAY...!!!

Ciaran MacMathuna: Welcomes Joe Cooley Home

Colin Kadis