Sean McCarthy (songwriter)

Sean McCarthy (1923–1990), a native of Finuge, County Kerry, Ireland, was an Irish songwriter. He was born one of 10 children, on 5 July 1923.[1] He wrote ballads including "Step It Out Mary", "Shanagolden", "Red Haired Mary" "In Shame Love, In Shame" and "Highland Paddy". In 1973 a collection of his songs was published in Listowel, County Kerry.[2]

Sean McCarthy statue in Finuge, Ireland

"Poet, author, folklorist and traditional music aficionado" Mattie Lennon wrote a play about the life and works of Sean McCarthy entitled "And All his Songs Were Sad".[3] It was produced by the Pantagleize Theatre Company in Fort Worth, Texas October 2010. It received a poor local review.[4]

A festival in honour of McCarthy is held every August in his home village of Finuge.[5] The festival includes ballad and story writing competitions. Finuge has one of the oldest surviving authentic thatched cottages in Ireland, estimated to be at least 300 years old.[6] The house, Sheahan's Thatched Cottage is owned by the Festival Committee.[7]

Discography

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  • The Wandering Man, EMI, ISRMCD 009, 2002

References

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  1. ^ "Finuge celebrates the life of Sean McCarthy". Irish Independent. 5 August 2009. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  2. ^ Sean, McCarthy (1973). The Songs of Sean McCarthy. Listowel, Co.Kerry: Donal O'Sullivan Castle Printing.
  3. ^ "ScriptCircle: And All his Songs Were Sad by (theatre play script)". www.scriptcircle.co.uk.
  4. ^ Noteboom, Kris (18 September 2010). "Review: And All His Songs Were Sad | Pantagleize Theatre Company | Fort Worth Public Market Complex". TheaterJones.com.
  5. ^ "Sean McCarthy Memorial Weekend". Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Sean McCarthy Memorial". www.finugeweekend.com. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  7. ^ "Sheahan's Thatched Cottage". Retrieved 14 January 2017.