Mick Flanagan was born in Galway City in 1937, then moved to Peterswell (a small village between Gort and Lochrea) to live with his grandfather.
His mother was Nora Cooley and with her brothers Joe, Seamus and Jack, played in the Tulla Ceili Band, taking young Mick along to the house sessions where he developed his great love for the music.
Mick is now a resident of George Town in Tasmania, and is active in folk music circles, playing box in Irish sessions and with friends.
Mick will be presenting the life and tunes of Joe Cooley, his famous uncle, who became one of the revered accordion players in Ireland and America. Mick and Paddy and a host of musicians will also talk about the whole Cooley family, will relate stories, anecdotes, play tunes, sing songs and generally give us a workshop of great craic.
Mick has an interview taped with Joe only months before he died, and will be playing this historic piece for us.
Cooley's Reel is played across the world, and Joe's playing has been emulated around the world.
Mick will be joined by his great friend and superb Irish accordion player from Melbourne, Paddy Fitzgerald, also a member of a famous Irish musical family, the Fitzgeralds.
More information on Joe Cooley
