JOHN ‘THE TAE’ GALLAGHER, BORN 1923, and ANNIE GALLAGHER (née Gill), BORN 1926, ARDARA

John ‘The Tae’ Gallagher is known far and wide for his fine fiddle playing and in this recording he discusses the tradition of fiddle playing in his family — his father and grandfather were also fine players. In 1957, John and Annie Gill married and she discusses her own family background. John explains that he bought a fiddle in Belfast in 1948, which is a wonderful instrument and very well loved. He discusses the old tunes, the styles of playing and the other musicians with whom he played. John worked as a weaver for thirty-two years until 1975. He also spent many years playing in the local céile band which included a piper, a tin whistle player, a flute player and a drummer, and all these musicians are named in this recording. He recalls the venues in which he played — the dancehalls and country homes. John’s legacy is most valuable in that he has taught his style of playing and many rare old times to young musicians over the years.