Micho Russell interview, Ireland 1990

A ‘Cursaí’ profile of Irish musician and tin whistle player from his home in Doolin, County Clare.
In this excerpt from the programme, Micho tells Tadgh Mac Dhonnagháin about growing up in Doolin, the music he listened to, the musicians in his family, and taking up the whistle. Micho plays an old tune by Micheál Ó Donnchu and sings as Gaeilge and in English. He also talks about his unique style of playing the whistle.
This episode of Cursaí was broadcast on 21 February 1994 as a tribute to Micho Russell who died on 19 February 1994. The clip was originally broadcast on an episode of Cursaí in June 1990.
‘Cúrsaí’ was an Irish-language television magazine programme. It was first broadcast on 14 October 1986 with Neasa Ní Chinnéide and Seán Ó Tuairisg as presenters. It was originally billed as “iris-chlár le béim faoi leith ar chúrsaí reatha an lae agus ar chúrsaí na tíre i gcoitinne” (RTÉ Guide, 17 October 1986). However it covered a wide range of topics, including politics, current affairs, arts and entertainment. ‘Cursaí’ was broadcast four nights a week, from Tuesday to Friday, on RTÉ 2. It ended on 30 May 1995.

[@markofsaltburn]

This is the best thing that’s happened to me today, so far. I might as well go back to bed.

[@johnnielson7676]

Such a unique style of playing whistle, and in an exemplary class of his own.

[@sir243_simr]

From the ❤️ of the Burren, Co Clare, a magical place

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

It has been said that African people have got natural musical rhythm in their bodies from the very moment they are born up until they die. Most Irish have got that magic of being able to play many musical instruments to a very high standard, they have got songs to sing, hundreds of tunes to play, poems to recite and stories to tell, Now I know where the very great Phil Lynott got his many natural-born skills from, that is why he was master of his many trades, he was a master musician, a poet, a storyteller, a historian telling stories of long ago, the present also he referred many times to the future,

[@JDLeonard74]

Had an old bellows operated player piano, a squeeze box and a dulcimer to play. Wasn't formally taught how to play any of them. Never learned to read music though. Could still create a nice tune with them by ear.

[@stephenmundane]

Quality -- thanks.

[@cnuasachanbharraigh]

Half-native speaker from Clare, really rare on film.

[@michealcrowleyeireppg4250]

Bernard Casey as Gaeilge

[@ballygeale1]

That thing his blowing in his mouth.......I'm going to have night mares tonight about it,I was beaten in school to learn to play it,by the way a kerry man in clare

[@markcissell6984]

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