John McDonough (died 1857) was an Irish piper born in Annaghdown, County Galway.[1] He was also known as "Mac an Asal" and spent a lot of his time in Dublin. He is mentioned in Francis O'Neill's Irish Minstrels and Musicians and described as "the best player of Irish pipes known in his day."[1]
John McDonough | |
|---|---|
| Born | Annaghdown, County Galway |
| Died | 1857 Annaghdown, County Galway |
| Other name | Mac an Asal |
| Occupation | Irish Piper |
| Children | Bridget Kenny, Mary Anne, John McDonough |
Biography
editJohn McDonough gained the nickname "Mac an Asal" ("son of a donkey") because his father, who sold donkeys, made him play the pipes while they travelled to the market while sitting on the backs of one of the animals.[1] This helped McDonough develop his musical skills while also attracting attention to his father's business.
McDonough had at least three children: Bridget Kenny, Mary Anne, and John McDonough. Kenny went on to become a prolific fiddler and earned the title "The Queen of Irish Fiddlers."[2]
Later in life, McDonough struggled through the Great Famine which forced him to leave Dublin, and then died in the Gort poorhouse where he was born, "neglected and ignored."[1] His death was soon after Bridget Kenny was born.[2]
Career
editMcDonough's pipe was made by Micheal Egan who was considered "the most famous of all Irish pipemakers" while they were in Liverpool at the same time.[1]
He was a "celebrated Irish piper" and was known for his expressive playing in a way that made the music his own. McDonough was very adaptable as a musician and preferred piece and descriptive music.[1]
While in Dublin, McDonough was at Trinity College "either for the purpose of teaching his art" or just for entertainment. It's possible he met Canon Goodman, who was later a professor there, during his travels. Goodman is considered a "reverend piper" and was given instruction by McDonough for a time.[1]
Also in Dublin, there was a night McDonough was playing on the streets in the evening and gathered a crowd. A "well-to-do gentry" approached him and took him to a nearby clubhouse to show his appreciation. McDonough reappeared on the streets later, visibly drunk, and this made the original audience so angry that they began to stone the building.[1]