Next week’s talk at the Ballybofey, Stranorlar & District Historical Society will be about world-famous local fiddle player, Hughie Gillespie.
Hughie (1906-1986) was very well known on both sides of the Atlantic, having emigrated to New York in 1928. It was in the Big Apple where legendary Sligo fiddler, Michael Coleman (1891 – 1945), decided to take Hughie under his wing and the young Ballybofey man became his ‘only student’.
He returned to his native Ballybofey in 1964, made numerous recordings over his lifetime and had a heavy influence on Killygordon master fiddler, Francie (Frank) Kelly.
L-R Francie (Frank) Kelly, Hughie Gillespie, his wife Mae and Geordie McIntyre in 1967.
Monday night’s talk will be given by Raphoe man, Martin McGinley, who himself is an accomplished fiddle player, and former editor of the Derry Journal and the Donegal Democrat. Martin will be joined by a few people who would’ve known Hughie very well.
Everyone is welcome to this free event which starts at 8pm on Monday night in Henderson Hall, Stranorlar (F93 XV29).
Membership of this group is rising all the time, so if you are interested in local history, come and join us.
Meetings and talks take place on the fourth Monday of the month.
For further information on the society, and updates, go to their Facebook page or email bsadhs@gmail.com
Hughie Gillespie, the famous fiddle player from Ballybofey.
