The Life & Music of Eddie Kelly (Eyrecourt East Galway and Castlerea, Co. Roscommon)

In 2018, I arranged a celebration for Eddie Kelly to thank him for sharing his music with me and for his contribution to the East Galway Irish Music Tradition and traditional Irish music in general.
Many of his friends and family attended and each was interviewed and shared some lovely stories and memories of our beloved Eddie Kelly.
This feature film captures the celebration and the love for Eddie.
Eddie Kelly has enthralled many musicians with his flair and mastery of both the fiddle and button accordion. The Irish jig that is widely known as Eddie Kelly’s jig is actually called The Meelick Team. It was composed by Eddie to commemorate a victorious hurling team from the village of Meelick in East Galway. And the reel known as Eddie Kelly’s reel is called The Lonesome Fiddler.
In 2019 I published a book entitled This Is Your Life: A Celebration of Eddie Kelly and the East Galway Irish Music Tradition. It shares for the first time, the sheet-music for all twenty-one of Eddie’s music compositions. His friends and family have shared stories, memories and photographs, all of which are presented in this book to honor Eddie’s contribution to traditional Irish music. We gain insight into a delightful man, with a mischievous grin and a deep passion for the music his native East Galway. His music can be found on my second album Searbh Siúcra.
And as we take this trip down memory lane, the illustrations remind us of Ireland’s rich history and traditions. And the narratives allow us the time to pause for a few moments to marvel at this heritage of mysticism and beauty.
Enjoy this feature length film and also the book. www.theirishgift.com
Love,
Éilís