The Rev. Daniel J. Murphy Song Manuscripts

From 1884 to the 1920s, Rev. Daniel J. Murphy from Kilmacteige, Co. Sligo, and J.J. Lyons from Glennamaddy, Co. Galway, transcribed over 1,200 sean-nós songs from 450 Irish speakers in Philadelphia and the anthracite hills of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Preserving the pre-Famine memory of Ireland in a diasporic setting, this extraordinary collection of song manuscripts represents a monument to Irish heritage, to American heritage, and to the diasporic experience. It also presents a unique opportunity to map sean-nós song through time and space as never before.

This year, with the support of the Heritage Council’s Heritage Stewardship Fund, Roinn na Gaeilge and University of Galway Library are digitising the Rev. Murphy Collection to make the fragile manuscripts more readily accessible from anywhere in the world.

Hear project collaborator Dr Deirdre Ní Chonghaile, Research Fellow at Dublin City University, share the story of the song manuscripts and the plans for the future of this landmark Irish-language collection.

This event is free of charge; however, places are limited and advance booking is recommended. To book, please contact the Museum by email at Museum@GalwayCity.ie or telephone (091) 532460.

Image of Rev. Murphy by kind permission of Maureen and Micheál Murphy