Con "Fada" Ó Drisceoil

As stated on the jacket for his book/CD: "The Spoons Murder", our latest O'Driscoll to be profiled is celebrated throughout Ireland, and beyond, as a maker of comic songs in the old Irish tradition. He is a gentleman of the Cork persuarion and a very fine box player and singer, specializing in the music and songs of Múscraí, Slíabh Luachra and other parts of Cork.

Con "Fada" Ó Drisceoil is a native of Aughadown parish, one of seven children of Con O’Driscoll and Mary Kingston. His father came from Drimoleague parish, and both his parents were primary teachers. Con also pursued a teaching career at second level in Douglas in Cork city, working in the local Community School from 1972 until his retirement in 2008.

In the mid-seventies he began to play Irish music on the accordion, and around the same time he started to write comic songs in the Irish tradition. Since 1989 he is a member of The Four Star Trio, a group which has played all over Ireland and in various parts of Europe. Their album The Square Triangle was issued in 1997. Con also features on a CD called It’s No Secret (2001), with fiddler Séamus Creagh and flute-player Hammy Hamilton.

In recent years Con has given more time and thought to song-writing, and in 2006 Craft Recordings published The Spoons Murder and Other Mysteries, a book and CD featuring a dozen of his comic songs.

Con in his element - playing with his friend Johnny in Kinsale
Cover art for Con's popular book/CD
Con standing tall with the 2007-2009 Clan Chieftain, Bruce Driscoll of Canada, as they prepare to declare the Clan Gathering officially open

In 2008 the O'Driscoll Clan was honoured to have Con as their first invited Ó Driscoll "dignitary" to perform the official opening of the O’Driscoll Clan Gathering in Baltimore. However, in his typical humble manner, Con insists it was entirely his honour to be asked. He shared with everyone that this honour held a special meaning for him, as he can recall being present with his father at the major Clan Gathering held in 1961. After that the next gathering didn't take place until 1986 and they've been held annually ever since then.

If you're a fan of Irish music and the Irish sense of humour, then do yourself a favour and find a copy of The Spoons Murder by Con Fada. You'll not be disappointed!