Denis Murphy (Irish musician)

Denis Murphy (November 14, 1910 – April 7, 1974) was an Irish fiddler and noted traditional musician.

Murphy was born in Lisheen, Gneeveguilla, County Kerry one of eight children of Bill and Mainie (née Corbett) Murphy. His father played fife, flute and fiddle and had a fife and drum band. It was a house where music was played a lot with neighbours calling in. He and his sister Julia Clifford were taught fiddle by Padraig O'Keeffe. He later played with the Lisheen Fife and Drum Band.

Murphy emigrated to the United States, and in 1942 married Julie Mary Sheehan. They returned often to Ireland and returned permanently to Lisheen in 1965. While in the United States he played with the Ballinmore Ceili Band, with such players as Paddy Killoran, James Morrison, Andy McGann and Lad O'Beirne.

Discography

• Denis Murphy: Music from Sliabh Luachra, solo, RTÉ CD 183
• The Star Above the Garter, with sister Julia Clifford, Claddagh Records CC5CD
• Music from Sliabh Luachra Volume 1: Kerry Fiddles, with Pádraig O'Keeffe & Julia Clifford, Topic 12T 309 / TSCD309 and Ossian OSSCD10

External links

• Ronan Nolan's Biographical website
• Comhaltas Biographical website