Gerry ‘Jetty’ Howley

Jetty Howley, a talented whistle player, left Ireland to work on building sites in England. It’s believed his real name was Gerry Howley, but he earned the nickname “Jet” because of his striking jet-black hair. Sadly, he died at a young age while still living in England.

His nephew, Anthony Howley from Kilfenora, remembers PJ Kelly from Doon telling a lovely story: PJ was working on a building site in London when he heard beautiful music drifting from a nearby hut. Curious, he looked in—and there was his neighbour, Jet, playing the flute during his break.

Jimmy O’Donoghue also recalls Jet as a well-known and gifted musician.