Lifelong Friends Launch Unique Music Album Celebrating Tradition

The musical bond between Máirín Fahy and Patsy Broderick has blossomed from childhood into a collaborative project that celebrates their shared heritage. The duo, known for their roots in traditional Irish music, is set to launch their new album, Galway to Fiji, on the evening of October 11, 2023, at Monroe’s Live in Galway.

Both musicians hail from close-knit communities; Máirín grew up in Ballinakill, while Patsy is from nearby Kilreekil. Their early involvement in music began in the Ballinakill Junior Céilí Band, where they achieved an All-Ireland U12 title. Their passion for music, spurred by familial influences, has remained a cornerstone of their lives.

A Tribute to a Musical Legend

The album features compositions by the late Fr PJ Kelly, a notable figure in the Irish music scene. Born in Woodford in 1926, Fr Kelly dedicated much of his life to missionary work in Fiji, Australia, and Pakistan. He passed away in 2006. Despite being far from home, his connection to his roots remained strong, and he frequently returned to Ireland, often visiting local musicians.

“He was like a celebrity and word would get out when he was home,”

recalled Máirín, reflecting on the vibrant music sessions that took place at her aunt Aggie Whyte‘s home. These gatherings were significant for the local community, where musicians would come together to share their love of traditional music.

Fr Kelly is revered for both his well-known tunes and those that have remained relatively obscure. The duo’s album aims to shine a light on lesser-known pieces from his repertoire. The inspiration for this project stemmed from Fr Kelly’s Favourites, a book published in 2007 by Brian Ryan, which transcribed many of his compositions.

Preserving a Musical Legacy

The journey of documenting Fr Kelly’s music began even earlier, in the 1960s, when Sr Declan Kelly, a nun from Loughrea, initiated the transcription process. Brian Ryan later completed this important work. Notably, Sr Declan is also the aunt of Máirín’s husband, Chris Kelly, who is also a musician known for his successful Trad on the Prom summer show.

Máirín comes from a musical lineage; her grandfather, Tommy Whyte, was a founding member of the Ballinakill Céilí Band in the 1920s. Her continued involvement in traditional music includes being a member of the all-women trad group Macalla in the 1980s, with whom she recently performed at Dublin Tradfest.

The album Galway to Fiji represents not just a musical collaboration, but a heartfelt tribute to their roots and the legacy of Fr Kelly. Patsy emphasized the importance of the music scene in East Galway, stating, “There is such a wealth of music and composers in East Galway, but they were hugely modest. They came in from the fields, took down the fiddle and played.”

As they prepare for the album launch, Máirín and Patsy are eager to share their love of music and its rich history with audiences, ensuring that the compositions of Fr Kelly continue to resonate with both traditional music enthusiasts and new generations alike.