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    Paddy Sweeney
    Home > People

    Paddy Sweeney

    1894–1974

    Paddy Sweeney (1894–1974) is usually said to have been a native of Moylough but the 1901 Irish census lists his family as residing in the adjoining townland of Powellsborough in the parish of Achonry. As a boy, he was influenced by the legendary local fiddler John O’Dowd. In New York in the early 1930s he played frequently with melodeon great P.J. Conlon and other musicians, as well as partnering Killoran. His only solo discs, including the first-ever recording of “George White’s Favorite,” were released in 1937.

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    The concert reel ; Custom gap, reel / Paddy Sweeney, fiddle

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    • The concert reel ; Custom gap, reel / Paddy Sweeney, fiddle

    • Roger's jig ; Village jig / Paddy Sweeney, fiddle

    • George White’s Favourite ; Lass of Carracastle / Paddy Sweeney ; Billy McElligott ; Eileen O’Shea

    • Fitzpatrick's favourite, jig / Paddy Sweeney, fiddle ; Billy McElligot, accordion ; Eileen O'Shea, piano

    • Bat Henry's favorite, barndance ; Chaffpool Post, barndance / Paddy Killoran, fiddle ; Paddy Sweeney, fiddle ; E Tucker, piano

    • Memories of Sligo, barndance ; McDermott's, hornpipe ; The Mullingar races, reel / Paddy Killoran ; Paddy Sweeney

    Paddy Killoran, Paddy Sweeney and Harry Carroll / Unidentified photographer
    Jim Clarke's Orchestra from the Smiles and Tears of Erin Programme. The
    Jackie Roche, fiddle ; James Morrison, fiddle ; Paddy Sweeney, fiddle / A gathering in James Lad O'Beirne's apartment, 1 of 3 [Back row: unidentified ; unidentified ; unidentified ; unidentified ; James Lad O'Beirne ; Mary Quinn ; Louis Quinn. Front row: Jack O'Beirne ; Paddy Sweeney ; unidentified ; Jack O'Beirne ; Jim McGowan ; unidentified] / Unidentified photographer. New York, 1941. Image courtesy Seán Quinn. / A gathering in James Lad O'Beirne's apartment, 3 of 3 [Back row: James Lad O'Beirne, fiddle ; Louis Quinn, fiddle ; Paddy Sweeney, fiddle ; unidentified, flute ; Jack Brennan ; unidentified ; Jim McGowan, fiddle. Front row: Joe Concannon ; Jack O'Beirne] / Unidentified photographer. New York, 1941. Image courtesy Seán Quinn / Unidentified photographer

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