we celebrate susan...

Susan O’Sullivan was born in Barrtrá, just outside Lahinch in 1892, and took up the fiddle when she was eight years old.

As a young woman, it was her involvement with the Republican cause that led to the burning of her home, Flanagans on main street Lahinch, by the Black and Tans in 1920 after the Rineen Ambush. This incident shaped Susan’s life and she fled to America where she continued to play her fiddle and fundraised for the cause at home with a group called ‘The Biddy Earlys’.

Returning to Ireland in 1923, she married Thomas O’ Sullivan and they had four children. Her fiddle playing continued up to the time of her passing in 1981.

As well as being a talented player, her family home became the Sunday night meeting place for the greats of the Clare music scene; Willie Clancy, Chris Droney, Mrs. Crotty, Séamus Ennis, Junior Crehan as well as a host of others.

Susan was eager to pass on the tradition and served as President of Clare Comhaltas in 1960. Her fiddle playing continued up to the time of her passing in 1981.