Céilí House on RTÉ Radio 1 paid tribute to the late, great Mick Moloney, a renowned banjo player and scholar who passed away in July, with an interview first broadcast in 2017 - listen above.
Below, Céilí House host Kieran Hanrahan pays tribute to a master musician.
I've known Mick Moloney for many years. I’ve known his music even longer.
He was always interested in people and their welfare. I toured the United States with Stockton’s Wing sometime in the early 1980s and he insisted we stay in his home in Philadelphia during a break in our touring schedule. He was inclined to be minding this young group of Irish traditional musicians as we set out on a career in the music business. He had advice and guidance and the most wonderful hospitality.
Being a fellow banjo-driver (as Mick would refer this particular breed of musician) I felt a great kinship.
In 2011, as I studied for a Masters degree in the then DIT (TU Dublin), I was researching the development of the tenor banjo in Irish Traditional Music. Mick was one of the first people I contacted and he directed me to many great sources. He was inspirational and enthusiastic.
Mick Moloney was an ethnomusicologist, musician, singer, producer, pioneer, educator, leader, mentor and visionary. He was engaging, caring, generous and an exceptional communicator.
To me he was a true Chieftain. Hugely influential on the development of Irish traditional music in the United States, he encouraged young people at every opportunity and instilled great self-belief.
Watch: Mick Moloney & The Mulcahy Family play on TG4's Gradam Ceoil (2014)
We were delighted when Mick agreed to join us on Céilí House in August 2017. We invited him to choose the music and chat about his own musical influences and those that contributed to his development. It was an intriguing encounter with Mick explaining just how he ended up in the United States and how his interest in education brought him on his chosen path.
We are sad that Mick is no longer with us but absolutely delighted that we encountered him along the way.
As I have said previously, a conversation with Mick Moloney always left you feeling good.
I hope you enjoy this very special programme.
Listen to more from Céilí House here.
