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The Hanafin brothers, William and Michael, were born in Callanafersy, County Kerry and raised in a household rooted in traditional arts. Their father was a dancing master, considered one of the finest dancers in Kerry, and their home was a gathering place for local musicians and dancers. William (fiddle, uilleann pipes) emigrated to the United States in 1889 and Michael (fiddle) followed in 1900. Together, they performed often at Irish community events and c.1905 co-founded the “Irish Music Club,” in which they held leadership roles. In 1914, they were instrumental in establishing the short-lived “Irish Pipers Club.” Francis O’Neill recognized their significance and profiled them in his book Irish Minstrels and Musicians. William, who is commonly associated with the tune “Apples in Winter,” left behind a modest recorded legacy. Michael, however, was a founding member of the Dan Sullivan Shamrock Band and appeared on 56 of the group’s recorded sides. In addition, he made eight solo recordings, four with his son Connie (accordion), and two with Daniel Moroney (whistle). His legacy endures in the Boston-based Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and in 2003, a memorial to the brothers was erected in Milltown, County Kerry.
