Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin (anglicised to Turlough Carolan) was born in 1670 into a labourer’s family in Co. Meath. He was blinded by smallpox at the age of 18 and then was taught the harp by a benefactor (the lady for whom his father worked). He later travelled the country playing music to the families in the ‘big houses’ (i.e. what passed for nobility in Ireland in the time). He was a prolific composer and it is for that body of work that he is remembered today. He died in Keadue in Co. Roscommon on this day in 1738 – the picture above is of a statue commemorating him, in Mohill, Co. Leitrim [he got married there].
Here is a performance of one of his most famous compositions – Carolan’s Concerto.