Paddy Reynolds (2)

Paddy Reynolds, (1920 - 2005) one of the great Irish fiddlers of our time, was born on December 17, 1920 in the parish of Dromard in north County Longford to James and Mary Ann Quinn Reynolds. Paddy had to steal his first tunes on the fiddle, using an instrument reserved for his eldest brother James. He first took James’s fiddle to a hiding spot under a table where, concealed by the overhanging cloth, he stealthily picked out tunes with his fingers. Gaining confidence, the bold youngster took both fiddle and bow to play in a barn. Other family members overheard the music and his secret was out. James wasn’t too happy about sharing the fiddle with his younger brother but Paddy’s precocious talent could not be denied.