Bryan Devitt (1912-1928)

Bryan Devitt was a young fiddle player from Kilfenora, born in 1912. Though his life was cut short by a burst appendix at the age of 16 , he left a strong impression on those who knew him. He often played music with his neighbour Jack O’Brien, a concertina player, and it was said locally that Bryan had been a particularly gifted fiddle player, showing great promise at a young age.

After his passing in 1928, his fiddle was passed on to his younger brother, Martin Devitt, who learned to play on it and continued the music in Bryan’s memory. Bryan is remembered with affection and respect, as the first in a line of musicians that includes his nephew James Devitt, a well-known fiddle player, and his great-grandson Anthony Devitt, who plays the banjo.