Remembering our finest fiddler - the late Jimmy Campbell
A musical tribute and anniversary Mass for late Glenties man on Saturday and Sunday
Renowned fiddler, the late Jimmy Campbell will be honoured by family and friends this coming Saturday and Sunday.
Jimmy, who sadly passed away in January last year was one of this country's best-known Irish traditional musicians and a pioneer of the distinctive Donegal style of fiddle music.
Widely regarded not only for his musical prowess but also for his warm wit and company, he was also one of the crucial direct links to the life and music of Mickey and John Doherty, both of whom were regular visitors to the Campbell house at An Teanga Mheáin.
Blessed with a great memory, Jimmy played various tunes that he heard from among others, Mickey Doherty, Pat McDevitt and his father and uncles in Cruach an Airgead.
Jimmy spent three decades as an emigrant in Scotland, where he first worked as a tunnel tiger and later in England where he settled in west London.
He married Yvonne and reared a family of four girls and one boy, Peter who is himself a very fine fiddle player.
Jimmy used to recount great memories of music sessions in England with Brendan McGlinchey, the Dwyers of Ardgroom but in particular with Paddy Conroy, the Galway accordion player.
Jimmy and Yvonne came back to live in the ‘wee Glen’ outside Glenties in 1988. Since his return, he introduced the music and folklore of the Croaghs and the surrounding area to the younger generation of players through bus trips in the company of his late brother, Vincent.
Jimmy, Vincent and Peter had been a mainstay in the regular musical sessions held in The Glen Tavern (Dinny's) since 1988.
To this end there will be music, dance and stories to honour his memory this coming Saturday night, January 21 from 8.30pm in that same venue. It promises to be a celebration of the man and his music.
His first anniversary Mass will take place in the Church of the Holy Family, Edeninfagh the following morning at 9.30am.