Phil McMahon née Conole (1928-2012)

Phil McMahon (née Conole) was born into music — in every sense. She came into the world in the Conole house and pub in Kilfenora, the daughter of Molly Conole (née Slattery), a classically trained pianist who helped shape the early sound of the Kilfenora Céilí Band and taught generations of young musicians, including the band’s long-time leader Kitty Linnane.

Phil grew up surrounded by music, and some of her earliest memories were of the band rehearsing in her family home, Conole’s. That musical legacy stayed with her for life. She married Denis McMahon in the same house, and together they raised a family steeped in the tradition. Her son Fintan McMahon plays piano in the current Kilfenora Céilí Band, and her son Aidan also played with the band. Phil herself featured on some of the band’s recordings and was instrumental in setting up the current revival of the group, helping to guide it into the modern era while staying true to its roots.

During the musically lean 1940s, Phil played a part in keeping the North Clare music scene vibrant. The short-lived but impactful Corcomroe Céilí Band, of which she had fond memories, kept things lively and laid the groundwork for what would follow.

A gifted violinist, Phil played for many years with the Ennistymon Choral Society and brought her love of performance and music into her work as a teacher in Kilfenora National School. There, she staged countless plays and musicals, igniting creativity in her pupils and creating fond memories for generations of children.

Phil played the church organ also led the Kilfenora Church choir for many years, bringing reverence, warmth, and musicality to parish life. She was also instrumental in setting up the current Kilfenora Ceilí Band with John Lynch,  the current leader of the band.