The Russell Family

Of the three Russell brothers, it can be said of Gussie that his was the life that was least changed by the music, though he lived and breathed it as much as Micho and Packie. He continued to farm the small family holding.

He also worked in the quarrying of the flagstone in Doonagore. He fished off the rocks near the Cliffs of Moher, and he travelled out on his Honda 50 motorcycle. His musical instruments were the tin whistle and flute, which he played with great accomplishment.

His repertoire of tunes was as extensive and varied as his brothers, though his natural shyness and self-effacement meant he was often the “forgotten” brother. Yet his talent was much admired.

Where and when he felt comfortable and at ease he played but otherwise people did not intrude in his privacy.

As often he preferred to simply sit in on the music sessions and listen; his upper body swaying to the music, his eyes transfixed in some concentration of the tune as if he was playing. Gussie Russell died May 18, 2004.