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Patrick O'Donnell Obituary
P.V., as he was known to his family and friends, was married for 20 years to his beloved wife, Marian. P.V. was born in the town of Buncrana in County Donegal, Ireland, and moved first to Canada in 1977, and then to the United States in 1987. He was a longtime resident of Manchester, Connecticut. Widely known as "The Donegal Fiddler," and locally as "the man with a thousand friends," P.V. began playing the fiddle at age four, and over the years he learned from and befriended some of the greatest Irish fiddlers. During his long and successful career as an Irish fiddler, he first toured America at age 12 with The Little Gaelic Singers, and hit his musical stride when he formed Barley Bree, a traditional group popular in Ireland that eventually hosted a successful weekly TV series in Canada. While living in Connecticut, P.V. gave powerful and memorable performances with the Hartford Symphony at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, at various concerts and festivals locally and across the country, on Connecticut TV and radio, at a very popular annual St. Patrick's Day concert at St. Joseph College, and at many a private party and wedding. In addition to his long list of memorable performances and recordings, P.V. created a strong and enduring legacy as a fiddle instructor, passing his mastery and skill to students of all ages. He was particularly proud of his younger students, whom he believed are the future of traditional Irish music in America. P.V. also was the gracious host and leader of a weekly traditional Irish music Sesiuin for the past 12 years every Wednesday night in downtown Hartford. He also was a driving force in the Buncrana and Connecticut chapters of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, a group that promotes traditional Irish music and culture. P.V. enjoyed the love and devotion of a wide range of musical friends that includes his students, fellow performers, and those who just came to listen.
He is survived by three children from a previous marriage, daughter Lisa and two sons, John and Ciaran; two grandchildren, Karl and Sarah; two sisters, Ave and Gloria; and three brothers, John, Carl and Oliver. He was predeceased by his parents, Johnny "Broadway" O'Donnell and Bridie O'Donnell; and his sister, Vita O'Donnell Ferguson.
Visitation will be held at John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St., Manchester, from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bridget Church, 80 Main St., Manchester, at noon on Monday, Jan. 31, 2011.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Patrick O'Donnell
Bonnie & Dan Milner
January 23, 2023
We miss our dear friend and musician. He made an indelible mark on Irish music here in CT with many folks still carrying on the tradition in his memory. We hope to be passing through his hometown, Buncrana, in late March and will think of him when we do. Marian - our thoughts are with you.
Philippa Robinson
January 26, 2022
I enjoyed PV's music when he lived in Ireland. Ireland's loss was Connecticut's gain. I hope family and friends have fond memories their loved one as time passes.
Fr. Mark Jette
March 18, 2011
Marian, Having just learned of PV's passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. He was an Irish gentleman and a friend. Whenever I hear an Irish fiddler playing, I will know that it is PV sending his music down on us from heaven. He is in my prayers as are you and the family.
Regina C.
March 17, 2011
My family remembers with great fondness when Barley Bree performed at Immaculata College in PA. A fun group. We have photos of them wiith our children.
RIP PV......you're fiddlin' amongst the angels now.
Anna Salo-Markowski
March 11, 2011
P.V. brought joy and light to our wedding with his fiddle playing. He was a true gentleman and a wonderful musician. I was very sad to hear of his passing.
kathleen kabara
February 17, 2011
Marion, my family sends our heartfelt condolences to you. I was so sad to hear of PV's passing. He will be missed by so many.
WHEN I play on my fiddle in Dooney.
Folk dance like a wave of the sea;
My cousin is priest in Kilvarnet,
My brother in Mocharabuiee.
I passed my brother and cousin:
They read in their books of prayer;
I read in my book of songs
I bought at the Sligo fair.
When we come at the end of time
To Peter sitting in state,
He will smile on the three old spirits,
But call me first through the gate;
For the good are always the merry,
Save by an evil chance,
And the merry love the fiddle,
And the merry love to dance:
And when the folk there spy me,
They will all come up to me,
With 'Here is the fiddler of Dooney!'
And dance like a wave of the sea.
Philippa Robinson
February 11, 2011
My only complaint about PV is that he lived so far away. Still, he did come back to visit Ireland. Condolences to family and friends.
February 3, 2011
Marian, I was so saddened to hear of P.V.'s passing.My sincere condolances to you and your family. He was such a sweet and kind man who truely loved life to the fullest.I know he loved his music but was always up for a good gab when i visited, even if it was about us at work or some silly story. I'm sure he could even do nursing with all he learned from us and our stories. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, God Bless!, your friend always Joann Nash Breen
Alice Bonvenuto
February 3, 2011
I was previleged to be the coordinator for the concerts P.V. did at Greenwich Library to help us properly usher in St. Patrick's Day. For the past seven years he charmed audiences at Greenwich Library and quickly became a favorite. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his lovely wife, Marian. God Bless and God Rest.
PV and John Tabb
February 3, 2011
R Groff
February 3, 2011
PV was not only a wonderful fiddle player, but also a wonderful human being. They don't make too many like him any more. He will be sorely missed.
SEAMUS O HAGAN
February 2, 2011
Marion,I always thought of PV as a very dear friend and I will sadly miss him Seamus O HAGAN COOKSTOWN
Annual St. Patrick's Concert at St. Joseph's College
February 2, 2011
PV and Dan Milner at McKinnon's in Hartford, CT
February 2, 2011
At the Playwright Irish Pub in Hamden, CT
February 2, 2011
PV & his lovely daughter Lisa.
L. Neild
February 2, 2011
PV and Dan Ringrose
L. Neild
February 2, 2011
L. Neild
February 2, 2011
jane ring
February 1, 2011
so sorry for your loss, it is a great loss to the community as well. my prayers are with you and your family at this time. take care of each other. cherish your memories.
Janine Mandeville
February 1, 2011
Marion
Rob and I send our love and deepest sympathy to you and your family. I’m sure this is a loss, and sadness that is beyond words for you. We know how inseparable you were. It hardly seems natural to say one of your names without the other. P.V was a lovely man with tremendous talent and an infectious smile. We were glad to have known him. We will remember you both in our prayers.
Sincerely
Rob and Janine Mandeville
May&Richard Clifford
February 1, 2011
Dear Marian so sorry to hear of your loss,PV will be sorely miss by all who ever met him not to mention all us Celtic music lovers.
Karl Curran
February 1, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Colleen Frampton
February 1, 2011
Dear Marian,
We were so saddened to hear of PV's passing. He was such a kind man. Caroline will always remember that he sang Happy Birthday to her at breakfast that morning in Nova Scotia when we were passing through on the way to Cathy's house.Sincere condolences from St. John's, Newfoundland, Colleen, Stephen and Caroline Frampton and Mrs. Shirley Murphy.
Richard Alan
February 1, 2011
Sorry to hear of PV's passing, he was a kind man, a fantastic player and will be missed by all who met and sat and listened to him. My sympathies to his family.
February 1, 2011
Sorry to hear of PV's passing, he was a kind man, a fantastic player and will be missed by all who met and sat and listened to him. My sympathies to his family.
Karen E. Ziel
January 31, 2011
To the family and friends of PV O'Donnell~
So lovely to have had the pleasure of hearing PV share his gift on a number of occasions. He as an amazing emissary of traditional Irish music and a gracious human being. His is a wonderful legacy!
R Cronin
January 31, 2011
He was the gift of light and music to us all. I will ever treasure the memory of his playing. The angels will be silent to listen to him play. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Robbie O'Connell
January 31, 2011
I was deeply saddened by the news of PV's passing. He was a lovely man and will be greatly missed by all his friends. My condolences to his family.
Laurence Perry
January 31, 2011
What a beautiful man. He taught my daughter for many years. He was the most friendly, most happy person I have ever met. My condolences to the family.
Tom & Pauline McCarthy
January 31, 2011
We extend our deepest sympathies to PV's beloved wife and family.We, who have had the opportunity to meet this extremeley talented violin player certainly enjoyed each moment in his presence. We were very privileged in enjoying this talented son of Ireland play and perform all over the world. It was an honour to have PV and The Barley Brie entertainers in our picturest town of Shannon, Que.
We are grateful for the good times and cherish his memory.
January 31, 2011
My deepest sympathy to his family. I had the pleasure of enjoying his beautiful music on his many trips to Shannon Quebec. Such a talented man. Rest in Peace PV. T. King Shannon
January 30, 2011
We have many fond memories of PV from his days of Barley Bree in Halifax. A good friend, a true gentleman and a wonderful musician. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marian and family.
Jim and Laura Farrell
January 30, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Marian and all of PV's family. What a terrible loss for the Irish music community. PV was a true gentleman and a credit to Donegal.
Brian Conway, White Plains. New York
A Dancer
January 30, 2011
For the good are always the merry,
Save by an evil chance,
And the merry love the fiddle
And the merry love to dance:
And when the folk there spy me,
They will all come up to me,
With ‘Here is the fiddler of Dooney!’
And dance like a wave of the sea.
January 30, 2011
PV was a long time friend and we will miss hlm. His memory will never leave our hearts. Our sympathy goes out to Marion and family.
Judy and Laurie McNeill
Ray Dunaway
January 30, 2011
I became a fan of P.V.'s thanks to former Hartford Councilman, Mike McGarry.
I can't remember the exact circumstances, but I did have him on the show to promote one of his appearances. His speaking voice was lyrical enough thanks to a wonderful Irish Brogue, but when he brought the fiddle to his chin, and began to play, I was blown away.
In later years I was lucky enough to emcee several of his live shows, including a St. Patrick's Day celebration in the Belding Theatre at the Bushnell, complete with various musicians brought in from all over New England, a marvelous orchestra, and of course, step dancers.
A marvelous evening, but I suspect one that turned out not-so-profitable.
But I don't think that fact slowed P.V. down. He just kept on going.
I also used to enjoy watching him perform at the Keg on Rt. 4 in Farmington, and at the Half-Door.
But the most wonderful thing about him was his kind and gentle nature- A wonderful man, he was.
I will miss him always.
January 30, 2011
i have the fondest memories of p.v. and the great times we shared in new brunswick canada, playing music, hunting and telling stories. he was a gentle man and a gentleman always
jim o'neil, nova scotia
January 30, 2011
PV will be sadly missed and so will his music. We will be thinking of you and your family during this time...Ken and Betty Carmichael, McAdam, NB
Maureen Maher
January 30, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Marion and Family . We have lost one of the finest fiddle players in the Irish community around the world . He was a wonderful man Have lots of great memories of when he first came to this country .We were honored to have the Barley Bree in Shannon Que and later in Ottawa .My love and prayers to Marion
Michelle Trani
January 29, 2011
The kindest and best of fiddle teachers, who has inspired so many of us with his beautiful music and courageous heart...I will miss him very, very much. My love and prayers to Marian and family.
Tom Kelly
January 29, 2011
A dear friend, mentor and spirited optimist. He coached me through many tough decisions and an occasional glass of whiskey. PV's faith was as strong as I've ever seen and I believe it carried him this far.
I will miss you terribly my friend, but it is to the good lord you go. Put in a good word for us.
Marian, you and the rest of the family are in our thoughts and prayers. How lucky we all are to have had him as long as we did. How lucky he was to have you. God bless you.
Allister MacGillivray
January 29, 2011
A great loss … in every way.
January 29, 2011
May his gifts of music and camaraderie be carried forth by those of us who will miss him dearly. Our condolensces to Marian and all his family.
Fair winds,
Bonnie & Dan Milner
Frank Emerson
January 29, 2011
My deepest condolences go out to P.V.'s family. I knew him years back as a fellow performer. There was none better than he and a nicer man never drew breath. God rest his soul.
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John F. Tierney Funeral Home, Inc.219 West Center Street, Manchester, CT 06040
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