Joe O'Dowd

Joe O'Dowd (1914-1987) Irish fiddle player born in Knocknaska, Gurteen, Co. Sligo. He was taught fiddle by his older brother while in his early teens. 'O'Dowd's Favorite', a reel recorded by Michael Coleman, is named after his uncle John, also a fiddle player. In the mid-1930's O'Dowd moved to London where he played professionally until 1940 in a céilí with Martin Wynne (fiddle) and Paddy Taylor (flute). In 1942 he returned to Ireland and formed the Owenmore Céilí Band in 1954. His wife Sheila is a well-known fiddle player and his son Séamus plays guitar and fiddle with the band Dervish. -The Companion to Irish Traditional Music