Paddy ‘Organ’ Mullins (1910-2002)

Paddy ‘Organ’ Mullins was born on 28 September 1910 in Cahersherkin, Kilfenora, into a musical household. His mother, Margaret Mullins, was a concertina player, and Paddy learned music from his parents at a young age. He developed a deep admiration for the playing of Michael Coleman, whose 78 rpm recordings he listened to at the home of neighbours — the Shannon family.

Paddy’s early music-making began at country house dances in North Clare, often playing with Paddy and John Killourhy, and he became a well-known figure in the local dance scene.

In the early 1950s, he was a member of the Corcomroe Céilí Band, and in 1957, he joined the famed Kilfenora Céilí Band, during a golden era in which the group won three consecutive All-Ireland titles (1954–1956). Paddy became a cornerstone of the band as it gained national success throughout the 1960s. He was part of the Kilfenora’s All-Ireland winning team in 1961, and again in 1964, when the band won the title at the Fleadh Cheoil in Swinford, Co. Mayo.

Paddy remained active with the Kilfenora into the 1970s and ’80s, including the period when the group performed regularly in smaller pub sessions. He was noted for his steady, sweet playing style and deep knowledge of North Clare flute tradition — linking generations of musicians through both performance and personality.

His influence continued long after his formal performing years. He regularly played at Gerard Linnane’s weekly session in Kilfenora from its beginning in 1992, always enjoying music and company among friends. A birthday celebration was held in his honour at the Kilfenora hostel in 2001, marking his 91st year with a joyous gathering of musicians and neighbours.

He was held in the highest regard by fellow musicians. Even musicians like Matt Molloy of The Chieftains would ask after Paddy when visiting Clare.

Paddy was predeceased in 1993 by his wife Bridget (née Devitt). He was survived by his four sons — Patsy, Frank, Jim, and Joe — and remembered fondly by family, neighbours, and fellow musicians.

Paddy ‘Organ’ Mullins passed away in March 2002, aged 91. He is remembered as one of the great bearers of North Clare’s flute tradition, and a musician whose gentle style, generous spirit, and long service to the Kilfenora Céilí Band left a lasting mark on Irish traditional music.

His son Joe who I met with in early 2025 is a mouth organ player and is an avid collector or music and tapes and was kind enough to share them with me for this project.