This article is from page 13 of the 2006-02-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 13 JPG
THE family home of one of Clare’s most respected traditional musicians, Micho Russell, is to go under the hammer in Ennistymon next month. The house, which is located in Lough North in Doolin, will be sold along with 8.5 acres and is expected to fetch up to €300,000.
The house was built by Micho’s brother, Packie, almost 70 years ago and was inhabited by members of the Russell family until 2001. The site is likely to generate a large amount of interest, not just because of its location, but because of its history and significance for traditional music enthusiasts.
“It was built by Packie, who was himself a stonemason, about 70 years ago,” said the auctioneer in charge of the sale, John Casey.
“It is an absolutely fantastic location and Micho even had a recording studio going in the house 30 or 40 years ago, before something like that was ever heard of.”
With planning permission difficult to secure in the area it is unlikely that any major structural alterations would be allowed to take place. There had been concern in some quarters that the house, and the long history, might be lost to a modern development.
“It wouldn’t be right for someone to knock it, not just because of the lovely stonework, but also because of the history behind the building,” continued Mr Casey.
“Planning is restricted on that side of the road so it will offer someone a chance of a lovely home in an area where it is very difficult to build.”
The Russell family lived in Doonagore, near Doolin since before the Great Famine.
The music in the Russell family came from Micho’s mother Annie who played the concertina, while Micho’s brothers Packie and Gussie were both renowned musicians.
Micho first came to prominence when winning the All-Ireland tin whistle competition in 1973. He was renowned for his originality and inventiveness.
In the 1970s, he toured all over Europe and America and was a favourite at the Willie Clancy Summer School. He died tragically, as a result of a car accident, 12 years ago this week.
The house will be sold by public auction at the Falls Hotel on Friday March 10 at 3pm.