This article is from page 36 of the 2007-05-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 36 JPG
TOM Munnelly, one of the founders of the Old Kilfarboy Historical and Archaelogical Society and promi- nent folklorist, has been honoured with a book on his life’s work.
Twenty-eight friends and_ col- leagues contributed essays to the book on subjects such as traditional music, folklore, traditional singing and Mr Munnelly’s own work in col- lecting and cataloguing the largest number of songs ever by any one in- dividual in Ireland.
The first copy of the book, Dear Far Voiced Veteran: Essays in Honour of Tom Munnelly, was presented to Mr Munnelly at the Bellbridge House Hotel in Spanish Point on May 19
and it will soon go on general sale.
Contributors and friends gathered from all over Ireland and the world to attend the presentation. Guests were entertained by traditional music and storytelling into the early hours.
The book’s editor, Anne Clune, said that Mr Munnelly’s work was an outstanding achievement and the presentation was a testament to it.
“The presentation was one of the best kept secrets ever but we still had over 200 guests simply by word of mouth. He was delighted and he got a standing ovation. Director-Gen- eral of RTE, Cathal Goan, presented the book and lots of figures from the world of traditional music were there. So many people helped out on the project that it would almost re-
new your faith in humankind. The whole event was surrounded by a spirit of happiness.”
She added that Mr Munnelly, who lives in Miltown Malbay and cel- ebrated his 63rd birthday last week, was not just a legend in west Clare historical circles but a “national fig- Vi Kome
‘He has done incredibly important work in terms of indexing and pre- serving music. In the Encyclopedia of Irish Folk alone, he has a four page entry so he is very deserving of debecm eCeyecelen mm
Mr Munnelly’s career has spanned decades since he first began collect- ing traditional songs in the field in 1964. He has also catalogued poetry and stories.
He began working in the Depart- ment of Folklore in University Col- lege Dublin in 1975 and has lectured to every folklore and folk music body in Ireland and in all Irish uni- versities.
He founded the Clare Festival of Traditional Singing before forming the Old Kilfarboy Historical and Ar- chaelogical Society in 1999.
The society has gone from strength to strength and holds twelve walks and excursions a year.