josie mcdermott memorial festival

Josie McDermott, was born and lived all his life in the townlands of Coolmine, Ballyfarnon, Co. Sligo. Josie was one of the all time greats of Irish music. He was a composer, musician, balladeer, singer, historian, playwright and a music teacher.
Josie claimed he got his early musical inspiration from his neighbours including the Butlers, the Flynns, the Sweeneys and the Donaghers to name but a few. Josie began to play the Thrump (Jew's Harp) and the Clarke Tin Whistle as a child—this was the beginning of an almost total involvement in music which continued up to Josie's death in May 1992.
Traditional music was the first that Josie heard and played and it was his first love. However Josie's musical horizons were much broader; he played trumpet, sax, whistle, fife and concert flute. Josie played in local bands for years.
Josie's eyesight was never very good but by the 1960s Josie had lost his eyesight completely. He also enjoyed success in ballad singing competitions. In 1978 Josie won a major award in instrumental competition for a new piece of music. It was in the form of a lament or slow air, in the traditional style which was organised by Cumman Merriman in co-operation with RTE.
Josie's repertoire increased through the years and meanwhile he developed into a composer of some repute drawing his inspiration for his compositions from people and places around him. As well as those he came in contact with during his musical journeys 'Darbeys Farewell' is one such composition.
His composition of ballads like his music was motivated for the most part by some person or event which he felt should be recorded for posterity, eg. the Ballad of O'Carolan Country describing the local area of Ballyfarnon, Keadue, Arigna and the local connection with O'Carolan and 'The Boatman of Lough Key'. This was a tribute to Jim Flynn a local man for whom he had a great admiration.
Josie's wealth of music and his vast knowledge of the art had manifested itself over a wide area where a number of young performers have already acquired the skills of the traditional instrument and style. Josie's life, his person and his music is celebrated in Ballyfarnon, May Bank Holiday Weekend during the Annual Josie McDermott Memorial tribute.