Molly Conole née Slattery (1888-1974)

Molly Conole was a key figure in the musical and cultural life of Kilfenora, though she rarely took to the stage herself. Born in 1888, she was just 21 when the Kilfenora Céilí Band was first formed. A classically trained pianist, Molly was appointed as the national school teacher in Kilfenora in 1910, and her influence on local music would be felt for generations. She taught many young musicians over the years, including Kitty Linnane, who would go on to lead the Kilfenora Céilí Band for nearly forty years. Molly had a sharp ear, a deep musical understanding, and a quiet but steady presence — attending most rehearsals and coaching from the floor. Jerry Lynch credited both Molly and her daughter, Phil McMahon (née Conole), for much of the success of the 1950s band, a period often seen as a golden era for Kilfenora music. Her brother Pat Slattery had played with the earlier Brass and Reed Band, showing that music was never far from the family home. The tradition continued through her daughter Phil’s involvement with the céilí band, and today, her grandson Fintan McMahon carries that same flame — playing piano in the current Kilfenora Céilí Band, more than a century after Molly first began shaping the sound of the village’s music. Her story, and those of her family, show the remarkable continuity of the Kilfenora tradition — a line of dedication, talent and quiet leadership that stretches from the very first gathering of players right through to the present day. With thanks to Garry Shannon’s thesis for much of the detail in this biography.