Jim Mulqueeney (1896-1975)
Jim Mulqueeney was one of the most respected traditional musicians of his generation in Kilfenora, Co. Clare. A fiddle player, he was central to the development of the Kilfenora Céilí Band, particularly during its early and formative decades.
Jim was part of the core ensemble that sustained the band through multiple phases of its long and celebrated history. He was from a musical family, his brothers Tom Mulqueeney and Mícheal Mulqueeney both played the flute.
He was also closely related to several other musicians in the community, including his niece Ita Mulqueeney (later Ita Foley), who played double bass with the band during their 1956 All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil win in Ennis — the third in their famed three-in-a-row victory.
Jim’s musical partnerships included playing regularly with other prominent musicians in the area, among them John Joe Lynch and Austin Tierney, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s. His name appears in several line-ups noted during that period, and his consistency and musicianship made him a key member during the band’s golden years.
Jim’s contribution has been documented with the help of Enda Byrt, and is preserved not only through recordings and recollections but also through family photographs.
Jim Mulqueeney, John Joe Lynch & perhaps Gerald O'Loughlin
Photo from Judith O'Donoghue (née Lynch)
Jim Mulqueeney, Kincora Lisdoonvarna 1972
Photo courtesy of Enda Byrt
Is the person in the photo Gerald O'Loughlin
We are not sure who the flute player in the photo is. I asked a few people and they weren't sure. Garry Shannon said: "My best guess is that it's from the mid-40s and that he is a young Gerald O Loughlin. The forehead & face are about right. Among the instruments Gerald played were flute and sax - that's the kind of flute (in the other pic) that a sax player would play - all the keys."
The Clare Champion Article about Jim MUlqueeney 1975
With thanks to the Ennis Library
Transcription of Jim Mulqueeney article
APPRECIATION TO THE LATE JIM MULQUEENEY
IN THE old churchyard at Kilfenora, Jim Mulqueeney, was laid to rest, and those at the graveside, saw an extraordinary finale: a number of birds flew in, hovered over the filled grave, and loudly whistled their ‘Last Salute’ to a great musician.
For over 60 years, Jim poured out traditional Irish music, and while his preference was for the fiddle, he was often seen to be a skilful player of many instruments. As a youth, he was a member of the local brass band and for many years he played with the Kilfenora Ceili Band.
However, he is best remembered for all his other music, much of it solo. At the ‘Picking of Ganders’, hauling homes, American Wakes. House tournaments, concerts and parties. Jim was always obliging people. He must have played for more ‘half-sets’ or more ‘half-sets’ than any other man, and he never, never put a money value on his music, nor on the help and encouragement he gave to young musicians. He was everybody’s friend. He had a relaxed, philosophic view of life and its meaning: he read countless books and magazines, and whistled his way through thousands of crossword puzzles, and then, there was always some of that inestimable store of music to be played.
Farewell to a mild gentle man, who generously gave happiness and enjoyment to so many and who left a part of our cultural heritage to be passed on. May he rest in peace.
K. L.
Mulqueeney Family Tullagha 1911 Census
House Dance, Lickeen, c 1955
L-R: Maura Linnane, Jim Mulqueeney (fiddle), John Joe Lynch (fiddle), Jerry Lynch (accordion), PJ Lynch (fiddle), Biddy Rynne, Mickey McCormack. Dancing: Bridget O’Donoghue (neé Lynch), Paddy Linnane, Tessa Hegarty, John Brody.
House Dance, Lickeen, c 1955
L-R: Kathleen Lynch (née Drennan), Jim Mulqueeney (fiddle), John Joe Lynch (fiddle), Jerry Lynch (accordion), PJ Lynch (fiddle), Biddy Rynne, Molly Mulqueeney.
