Category: Books · Fintan Vallely

Publication of Crosbhealach an Cheoil – Crossroads Conference (2003) papers

Traditional music is soundly established in Ireland as a ‘national’ music with a cross-class goodwill that sees large numbers of young people playing it as their music of choice. It is guided by enthusiastic idealists who run week-to-week teaching and seasonal music schools; they make things happen … more...

From Fifth Column to Pillar of Society

Observations on the political implications of popular revival and education in Irish Traditional music in modern Ireland. A discussion pamphlet which is the text of the Seán O’Riada Memorial Lecture No. 14 as given by Fintan Vallely to the Traditional Music Archive and the Irish Traditional Music … more...

Ben Lennon – The Tailor’s Twist

The Tailor's Twist - Ben Lennon’s Life in Traditional Irish Music

A study in text, photographs and graphic design of the fiddler Ben Lennon of Kiltyclogher, Co. Leitrim. Ben Lennon’s life is documented here in words by writer Fintan Vallely and he is presented within his music society in a hundred and more striking photographs by international award-winner … more...

The Companion to Irish Traditional Music – First Edition

The Companion to Irish Traditional Music (1st edition), Fintan Vallely, editor

Editor and general contributor Fintan Vallely. This edition is now totally unavailable commercially, but may be picked up second-hand. However, it is replaced by the substantially extended and revised second edition which is in print and can be ordered via and is supported by the website … more...

Together in Time: The Life and Music of John Kennedy of Cullybackey

Edited by Fintan Vallely. Text by Fintan Vallely. Foreword by John Moulden. Main photography by Gary Parrott; additional images Fintan Vallely. Published by Loughshore Traditions Group. (Co. Antrim, 2001).Music and index. 88pp, spiral bound. Compact disc: John Kennedy: Together in Time. Loughshore … more...

Crosbhealach an Cheoil / The Crossroads Conference 1996

Crosbhealach an Cheoil / The Crossroads Conferences

Edited by Fintan Vallely, Hammy Hamilton, Eithne Vallely & Liz Doherty Published Proceedings of the 1996 Crossroads Conference, Crosbhealach an Cheoil ISBN 978-0-9511569-4-0 Two of these conferences were held, the first in 1996 in Dublin, the second in 2003 in Derry. As yet, only … more...

Tuned Out – Traditional Music and Identity in Northern Ireland

by Fintan Vallely · November, 2008 The book looks at the present-day booming Traditional Irish music scene and notes that while there is enthusiastic participation of Northern Ireland Catholics therein, Protestants have largely absented themselves. In fact not only are Protestants in general … more...

Sing up! Irish Comic Songs and Satires for Every Occasion

A satiric/comic song selection of modern Ireland, ed. Fintan Vallely Publishers' information A collection of comic and satirical lyrics that comment on some of the inconsistencies and absurdities that mark Irish society's transition from the past to the future. The style is long-established and … more...

Blooming Meadows – The World of Irish Traditional Musicians

Blooming Meadows, a book by Fintan Vallely, Nutan, & Charlie Piggott

A book by Fintan Vallely, Nutan, Charlie Pigott Text of interviews by Piggott & Vallely, color and B/W photographs by Nutan The book is a document on the lives and music of 30 major performers and movers of the revival period of Irish Traditional music. It is a series of 2,000 word, … more...

Companion to Irish Traditional Music – 2nd Ed. (Nov. 2011)

Fintan Vallely, editor There are many notable publications on Irish traditional music, among them works of monumental initiative and deservedly enduring status. Only a handful however attempt to present an overall picture, a difficult task in what is now a vast field. The traditional music scene … more...

Contents