In Safe Hands by Mick O' Connor

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Continuous
fundraising

Discover Dublin's traditional Irish music history (1800s–1970s) through rare images, interviews, and research. Honour its cultural impact in this meticulously crafted book.

€7,755 Raised of €7,470

21 Backers

103%

Back this project

This project has reached its fundraising target. It has also activated Continuous Fundraising, which means you can still donate and support the project.

The idea

This project aims to publish an illustrated book chronicling the history of traditional Irish music in Dublin from the late 1800s to the 1970s. It presents a captivating narrative through rare photographs, first-hand accounts, and expert interviews, uncovering the evolution of the music, its resilience during challenging periods, and its blossoming into a celebrated tradition. Rooted in decades of meticulous research, the book preserves the socio-historical essence of Irish music, honouring its key figures and cultural impact. It represents the most comprehensive private collection dedicated to this rich heritage.

What we'll deliver

Publish an illustrated history of tradition Irish music in the capital city Dublin

Why it's a great idea

- Serves as an authoritative resource for researchers, educators, and music enthusiasts, offering unparalleled access to decades of specialised knowledge.
- Celebrates unsung heroes and lesser-known contributors of Irish music, ensuring their legacy is acknowledged and preserved.
- Inspires future generations of musicians and cultural advocates by highlighting the resilience and creativity inherent in Dublin's musical history.
- Offers a unique blend of historical narrative and visual storytelling, creating an engaging and multifaceted reading experience.
- Supports local publishers and illustrators, fostering growth within Ireland’s creative industries.

Steps to get it done

This book is hoped to be launched at Vicar Street June 6th
Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2025
The Teacher's Club June 27th June 2025
William Kennedy Piping Festival, Armagh City
Joe Mooney Summer School Drumshambo 19-26 July 2025
Annual NPU Tionol
Tionol Dhun na nGall 2025
Scoil Éigse Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Wexford 2025
Belfast Trad Fest August 2025
Skerries Trad Fest 2025

Location

By Mick O' Connor

Mick O’Connor, a native of Dublin’s Li... Learn More

about us

Partner donations

This project has
received funding from
Crowdfund Dublin City Fund

Updates

In Safe Hands by Mick O' Connor joined: Slua-mhaoiniú Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath/ Crowdfund Dublin City 11 months ago

Ag obair chun pobail níos ionchuimsithí a thógáil/ Working to build more inclusive communities

In Safe Hands by Mick O' Connor hit its fundraising target!1 year ago

Brilliant news, thanks everyone!

1 year ago We've hit our target

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Recent backers

Crowdfund Dublin City Fund - €3,795
1 year ago

Aoileann Ní Chonchubhair - €10
1 year ago

Donal O'Connor - €300
1 year ago

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Mick O’Connor, a native of Dublin’s Liberties, has played a pivotal role in Irish traditional music for over six decades. A talented flute player, he studied under Sligo’s John Egan and was active in the Fintan Lalor Pipe Band in his youth. Though he owns a set of uilleann pipes, Mick humbly refrains from calling himself a piper.

From the late 1950s to the 1970s, he was a key member of the Pipers’ Club, training the Pipers’ Club Céilí Band, which won multiple All-Ireland titles. In the 1960s, Mick led the Castle Céilí Band to success at the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (1965) and won the Oireachtas na Gaeilge four times. The band featured legends like Seán Keane, Michael Tubridy, and John Kelly.

A respected teacher and lecturer at the Willie Clancy Summer School and Scoil Éigse, Mick mentored many young musicians. He trained céilí bands and Grúpaí Ceoil at Clontarf CCÉ, helping them to national success.

Mick is also an esteemed archivist and researcher, preserving one of the largest photographic collections of traditional musicians. He conducted over 80 oral history interviews and contributed to publications such as Treoir, Dal gCais, and An Píobaire.

He co-produced seminal recordings like Seoda Ceoil (1968/69) and LPs featuring artists such as Willie Clancy, Tommy Peoples, and the Castle Céilí Band. His discography includes collaborations with Seán Keane and Charlie Lennon.

Mick has also designed, printed, or produced over 20 books, including works by Harry Bradshaw, Charlie Lennon, and Dr. John Cullinan, covering topics from fiddle styles to the history of Irish dancing.

He was instrumental in the 1968 Bettystown Tionól that led to the founding of Na Píobairí Uilleann and served on advisory bodies like An Coiste Ceoil and the National Print Museum.

Recognized with the TG4 Sé Mo Laoch (2008), Hall of Fame (2007), and Gradam Comaoine Award (2017), Mick O’Connor’s influence as a performer, teacher, producer, and cultural guardian remains profound — a quiet giant in Irish traditional music.

This book, titled "In Safe Hands," is the culmination of his life’s passion and work — a tribute to the people, places, and music of a city he is proud to be born and bred in: Dublin. The title reflects Mick’s deep respect for the tradition, its preservation, and the knowledge he has passed down to the next generation, ensuring that the heart of Irish music continues to thrive.

Project Owner: Mick O' Connor The Project Owner takes legal responsibility for receiving and spending the funds raised and ensuring the project is delivered.