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Brendan McGlinchey holding his fiddle

Brendan McGlinchey (1940–2020): a Tribute

The first year of the pandemic, 2020, was a difficult year for many, and it was the year that we lost a much beloved and talented fiddle player, Brendan McGlinchey. This blog by Aoife Kelly, takes a look back at his life with reflections from some people who knew him best.

“Brendan will be remembered as an exceptional musician and composer, with a lasting impact on the traditional Irish music community in Ireland, England and beyond.”

Aoife Kelly, 2022

“I heard these lovely fiddle players, and became really interested in trying to make myself better.”

Brendan McGlinchey

“The scene in London was out of this world”

Brendan McGlinchey

Brendan McGlinchey in London / Brendan McGlinchey, speech ; Brian Lawler, speech : From: The Golden Era of Céilí Music & Dance Archive Project

Brendan McGlinchey in conversation with Brian Lawler, part 1 of 5

Splendid isolation, air ; Splendid isolation, reel / Brendan McGlinchey, fiddle, composer

“We are overwhelmed by the many tributes and shared memories, we have read or received from so many musicians/friends. Yours and John's included and so many people we haven't met or known.”

Margaret McGlinchey – Brendan’s wife