This month we revisit the collection of the late Tom Davis, a prolific collector of Irish music over 50 years at fleadhs, concerts and private houses.

We begin with Bobby Casey from West Clare who lived in London for many years, playing two sets of tunes recorded in Miltown Malbay, 1973 at the first Willie Clancy Summer School. Also from Clare, Elizabeth Crotty was a renowned concertina player, here recorded in the Pipers Club Dublin in the 1950s. From this famous Pipers club recording, we include piper Seán Seery, a stalwart of Dublin piping under his mentor Leo Rowsome. Peadar O’Loughlin (flute) from Killmaley and Kathleen Harrington (fiddle) were a great duet, once again recorded in the Pipers club.

The late Séamus Mac Mathúna was a central figure in Comhaltas and close friend of Tom Davis, featuring in many of Tom’s recordings playing flute and singing. Here Séamus gives us a rousing song from a session in Conradh na Gaeilge 1980. From a great Listowel Fleadh in early 70s, two great Galwaymen, Joe Burke and Martin Byrnes, play the Steampacket. In Gormanston 1978, Tom captured two fiddle players, Paddy Ryan and Antóin Mac Gabhann (Tony Smith), in perfect unison playing two reels. Anne Mulqueen (Limerick and Ring, Co Waterford) was also in Gormanston that weekend and Tom was lucky to record Anne’s sweet inimitable voice.

Hope you enjoy this selection from ITMA this month. Happy Christmas and let’s look forward to another year of great music, song and dance in 2024.  -Pádraic