- Percy French (William Percy French) from Cloonyquin, near Elphin, County Roscommon: Born May 1, 1854, died January 24, 1920. Songwriter, entertainer, and watercolor painter, known for humorous songs like “Phil the Fluter’s Ball” and “The Mountains of Mourne.” A celebrated figure in Irish music, his work captures rural Irish life with wit and charm.
- Cathy Jordan from Scramogue, County Roscommon: Born 1972. Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist (guitar, bodhrán, bones, bouzouki), lead vocalist of the traditional band Dervish. Known for albums like Spirit (2003), she’s a prominent figure in Irish trad music, performing globally.
- Cormac MacDermott from Roscommon: Born circa late 16th century, died February 26, 1618. Harper and composer, member of the “Royal Musick” at the English court. One of Ireland’s best-known harpers of his time, he preserved Gaelic musical traditions.
- Magrath Ó Fionnachta from Roscommon: Died 1361 (birth date unknown). Historical Irish musician, likely a harper or bard, noted in medieval records. His inclusion reflects Roscommon’s deep musical heritage, though fame is historical.
- Patrick Hyland from Roscommon: Award-winning tenor, studied with Dr. Veronica Dunne at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Known for performances at funerals and events in Roscommon, he’s a leading figure in Ireland’s classical vocal scene.
- Róisín Ní Bhriain from Roscommon: Solo flautist and singer with digital piano accompaniment, performing at events across Roscommon. Experienced in traditional and classical styles, she’s locally prominent.
- Martina Rynn from Roscommon: Born circa 1970s. Classically trained vocalist and accompanist, known for singing at events in Roscommon. Her extensive experience in choral and solo performances makes her a local favorite.
- John McCormack from Athlone, County Roscommon (born in Athlone, Westmeath, but Roscommon side of town): Born June 14, 1884, died September 16, 1945. World-famous tenor, celebrated for his diction and breath control, notably singing 64 notes in one breath in a Mozart aria. Made hundreds of recordings, including Irish ballads, and was titled Papal Count in 1928.
- Paddy Killoran from Emlaghgissan, near Ballymote, County Roscommon: Born September 21, 1903, died April 24, 1965. Traditional fiddler, a key figure in the Sligo-Roscommon fiddle style. Emigrated to New York, where he recorded extensively in the 1920s-30s, influencing Irish-American music with tunes like “Killoran’s Reel.”
- Seamus Tansey from Gurteen, County Roscommon (born in Sligo but long-time resident): Born circa 1943, died July 9, 2022. Traditional flautist, tin whistle player, and composer, known for albums like King of the Concert Flute (1976). A leading figure in Irish trad music, he performed globally and preserved Roscommon’s musical heritage.
Musicians
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Roscommon:
Ireland’s county Roscommon combines historic sites with tranquil landscapes, with Roscommon Castle’s imposing ruins offering a glimpse into medieval Ireland. Lough Key Forest Park provides boating and treetop canopy walks, while the Arigna Mining Experience explores the county’s industrial past. Other attractions include the sacred site of Rathcroghan, linked to ancient mythology. Roscommon is Ireland’s 11th largest county by size (2,463 square km) and eighth smallest by population (70,259). Population peaked at 253,591 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 53,519 in 1971. In terms of hospitality, Roscommon is Ireland’s 31st most visited and Ireland’s second least visited tourist county with around 25,000 international visitors per year.
Introduction – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Camping – Castles – Churches – Contact list – Cycling – Dining – Equestrian – Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Gardens – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Hotels top 8 – Hunting & shooting – Instagrammable – Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies – Music – Name – New – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random Facts – Restaurant Awards – Sacred Places – Saints – Songs – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Things to do – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Wild swimming – Writers – 1837 – 1846– 1852 – 1909 – 1955 – 1980 –
