Abstract

This thesis consists of ethnomusicological study of the life and legacy of Déise traditional sean-nós singer Nioclás Tóibín (1928-1994). Born in the Gaeltacht community of Na Déise, in Co. Waterford, Ireland, Tóibín was raised in the traditional Irish-language song culture of his community. He grew up in the first decade of Irish independence during a time of nation building. The new national identity, born from the cultural revivalism of the late 19th century, placed great symbolic importance on the promotion of the Irish-language and Gaelic culture, including music. During this time, there were also new technologies being introduced in Irish society, such as recording and broadcasting technology. Because of these factors, Tóibín’s musical career broke new ground for traditional singers from Gaeltacht na nDéise. Through interactions with revivalist institutions, such as Oireachtas na Gaeilge, and the promotion of Irish language music through recording labels like Gael-Linn and radio broadcast stations like Raidió na Gaeltachta, his voice became synonymous with the singing tradition of his community.

Using ethnographic interviews, this text is informed by the voices of sean-nós singers from Gaeltacht na nDéise who knew Tóibín, were influenced by him, and have experienced the unfolding of his legacy within their community since his death. This text considers the meaning of his memory, as well as how the success brought to Tóibín’s musical career through the interaction with recording and broadcasting technology has affected the sean-nós singing of Gaeltacht na nDéise.