Patrick Kelly (1905–1976) was an
Irishfiddle-player and teacher.
Kelly was born in
Cree,
County Clare, and learned to play when he was young. His youth were the heyday of the
American Wakes and the house dances. His style was influenced by the
Kerry fiddler
George Whelan (also the mentor of his father) and
Danny Mescal. Both acted as his teachers and mentors.[1][2]
Style
Patrick Kelly specialized in music set in 12/8 pieces. While teaching in Cree and surroundings, he also passed on the
Foxhunters Reel.[3]
Characteristic of Kelly was the tuning of his fiddle in GDGD,[4] so he could use
droning and
double stopping.[5]
Personal
Patrick Kelly was the only child of Tim Kelly and Maria Killeen (1863–1951).[6]
Around 1930, Kelly married Margaret "Dilly" Golden from Cree. They had seven children.[7]