Research

Conor’s primary area of research focuses on the vernacular and creative practices of music making in rural West Clare during the 19th and 20th centuries. 

While completing a Masters by Research at University College Cork, Conor explored the life and music of Bobby Casey (1926-2000), an Irish traditional fiddle player born and raised in Annagh, a small townland in rural West Clare, who is regarded as one of the finest exponents of Irish traditional fiddle playing of the twentieth century. Through a combination of historical research; ethnographic fieldwork; and musical analysis, his thesis At Casey’s Altar sought to provide a deeper knowledge and understanding of Bobby’s character, life, and creative process.

Conor is now working on a publication in this area, where he hopes to delve deeper into the social history of music making in West Clare.

Research Interests: Oral History, Fiddle Traditions; Musical Analysis; Irish Musical Studies; Cultural Anthropology; Archival Ethnomusicology and The Creative Process