Hanafin, William F. , 1875-1924
Dates
- Existence: 1875 - 1924
Biographical Note
William F. Hanafin (1875-1924) and his brother Michael C. Hanafin (1880-1970) were born in Callinfercy, County Kerry, Ireland. The farmhouse of their parents, Bessie and Cornelius Hanafin, was a regular gathering spot for Irish traditional dancers and musicians. Both brothers became musicians, with William specializing in fiddle and uilleann pipes and Michael in fiddle and step-dancing. The Hanafin brothers immigrated to Boston, Massachusetts in the late 19th century, where they became celebrated performers within Irish traditional music circles. The Hanafins wrote and recorded their own music, and Michael won a gold medal for step-dancing. Michael's son Cornelius M. "Connie" Hanafin (1903-1985), an accordion player, performed along with his father and eventually became a highly respected bandleader. William's son William Francis "Bill" Hanafin (1904-) was also active in Irish music circles in Boston. And William's nephew by his brother Cornelius J. Hanafin (1877-1972), William F. "Billy" Hanafin (1916-1996), a Boston police officer, was also a fiddle player. The Boston branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Irish Musicians Association) is named the "Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch" as a tribute to Michael Hanafin, and a memorial to the Hanafin Brothers was unveiled in Milltown, County Kerry in August of 2003 by CCÉ.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
William F. and Michael C. Hanafin Family Papers
This collection contains photographs, articles, recordings, a fife, printed music, correspondence, and other items pertaining to brothers William F. and Michael C. Hanafin, their family members, and musical associates. The Hanafin brothers were Irish traditional musicians who immigrated to Boston in the late 19th century.
Collection is open for research. Audio recordings have been digitally copied; all original media were retained, but may not be played due to format. Digital use copies can only be accessed in the Burns Library Reading Room.