Charlie Lennon (fiddler)

Charles Oliver Lennon (July 1938 – 8 June 2024) was an Irish musician, fiddler, composer, and pianist.

Early life and education
Charles Oliver Lennon was born the youngest of four children to Jim and Sally Lennon in Kiltyclogher in July 1938. Lennon learned playing instruments including the fiddle and piano at a young age, and joined several céilí bands in his teenage years. He graduated from the University of Liverpool, majoring in nuclear physics.

Career
Lennon's career spanned over 50 years. His compositions include The Twelve Pins, The Smiling Bride, The Road to Cashel, Lennon's No.4, The Handsome Young Maidens and The Bag of Money. His recordings include Lucky in Love, The Emigrant Suite, Flight from the Hungry Land, Island Wedding, Time for a Tune, Aifreann Chaomháin and Áille Na hÁille, The Dance of the Honey Bees and Dusk 'Till Dawn.

Lennon's book of compositions, Musical Memories, was published in 1993. Lennon was awarded the title Ard-Ollamh by the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann in 2005. He was the 2006 TG4 Composer of the Year. Lennon's second book of compositions, Musical Memories Volume 2, was released in 2012. He was awarded the IMRO Gold Award in 2020.

Lennon also taught at third level at the University of Galway. He moved to Spiddal after his retirement, where he opened a recording studio.

Personal life and death
Lennon married sean-nós singer Síle Ní Fhlaithearta in 1966, with whom he had 3 children and 8 grandchildren. He was Maurice Lennon's uncle.

Lennon died at the University Hospital Galway on 8 June 2024, at the age of 85.

Compositions

 * The Twelve Pins
 * The Smiling Bride
 * The Road to Cashel
 * Lennon's No.4
 * The Handsome Young Maidens
 * The Bag of Money

Recordings

 * Lucky in Love
 * The Emigrant Suite
 * Flight from the Hungry Land
 * Island Wedding
 * Time for a Tune
 * Aifreann Chaomháin
 * Áille Na hÁille
 * The Dance of the Honey Bees
 * Dusk 'Till Dawn