The Russell Family
The Russells of Doolin
Background
According to the notes on the family tree compiled by Paul Russell (see image), The Russell family name might have come from the North of Ireland:
“The Russell name may have migrated to Clare from the North of Ireland after the siege of Derry in 1689. Austin Rua Russell settled in Kilkee by the late 1700’s.”
The paternal grandparents of Micho, Gussie & Packie Russell were Patrick Russell (born in 1838), who married Kate Flanagan of Doolin. They had 6 children: John (1870), Michael (1871), Mary (1878) Mortimer (1880), Thomas (1884) and Austin (1892).
Austin Russell was a farmer in Doonagore. He married Annie Moloney from Doolin and they had 5 children: Micho (1915), Bridie (1915), Gussie (1917), Packie (1920) and Mary Kate (1921).
Micho, Gussie and Packie never married or had any children. Bridget married Jimmy McNulty of Tullygarvan, Lahinch. They didn’t have children either.
Mary Kate married Peter McGuire and moved to Fegreen, Ennistymon. They had three daughters, Bridie, Nonie (RIP) and Peggy.
Micho Russell
Micho Russell (1915-1994) was one of Ireland’s best-known traditional musicians in the latter half of the 20th century. He played the flute and tin whistle and was also a singer, dancer, storyteller.
Gussie Russell
Gussie Russell (1917-2004) also played flute and tin whistle. He was a quiet, private man, who lived, worked and played locally throughout his life, away from the spotlight which he wasn’t interested in.
Packie Russell
Packie (or Pakie) Russell (1920-1977) was the youngest of the three Russell brothers. A stone mason by trade, he was a highly regarded concertina player in Clare and beyond. Packie was also very well-read.
The Russells of Doolin
Mary Kate & Bridie
A few words from Michele Gallagher, granddaughter of Mary Kate Russell:
“Mary Kate and Bridie (Bridget) were the sisters of the Russell brothers.
Both women had a life long love of music and dance. Mary Kate married Peter McGuire and moved to Fegreen, Ennistymon. They had three daughters, Bridie, Nonie (RIP) and Peggy.
Bridie Russell married Jimmy McNulty of Tullygarvan, Lahinch and in later years moved to Ennistymon. Both women are buried in the graveyard in Doolin.
As was common in that era, they were not involved in the music scene. They were hard working within the home and outside.
While the Russell brothers are well remembered it is with a deep sense of pride we remember our grandmother Mary Kate and her sister Bridie and honour their places within the Russell family.”
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Michele Gallagher and her husband Paul for their help and support with this project.
