The Glen is a collaboration between John and Seamus, whose biographies are below.
This site has been years in the developing. For many years prior to the computer revolution, I studied this material the hard way - by locating and learning from tradition bearers both in the USA and abroad, as well as hard to find books, art, and music, taking courses, and so on.
It turned into a life-long quest for knowledge that continues to this day. For the most part, it has been desultory, a fascinating hobby, directed only by my interests of the moment. However, a more focused and directed approach would be more productive for learners, so I have tried to arrange this material in a logical fashion. Most of this site and its contents will be alpha-numeric-chronological to improve ease of navigation.
Though far from being an "expert," others have recognized my passion for the subject, and some have sought me in turn for tuition or guidance in the history, music and lore. As my mentors did for me, I have done for them, giving them instruction, copies of hard to find information, music, bibliographies, and so on to help them as I was helped.
This in turn led to my giving courses, and eventually writing articles. My students often pressed me to write all this down in book form, and I started - but as the learning remains ongoing, and ever in flux, I was constantly revising. In addition, as with most of us, the constraints of work, family, and other obligations took much of my time and energy.
It wasn't until the advent of the personal computer and the Internet that it became possible to create a "text" that wasn't frozen in place after it was committed to writing. These technological wonders also provided a new and unique method of linking text, art, and information in ways that are still constantly evolving.
Now, much of what I acquired the hard way is available to all on this marvelous creation that surpasses anything even the highly imaginative Celts could have dreamt of. The site will hopefully keep evolving in ways yet unforeseen by its creators. To that end, suggestions, comments, and corrections are welcome. Those we use will receive credit.
Although much of what I will cover here may already be out there (and probably is!), I will put forth what I can, and hope that it will fill some gap, inspire some further learning or research, or merely interest or amuse the reader.
About Our Webmaster
John is the webmaster, designer, and advisor. He is a multi-talented gentleman with an eclectic taste and background that includes a love of Celtic art, music, and other aspects of that and other cultures, combined with a strong knowledge of computers and electronics.
Among other things, he served in the U. S. Navy, been an international consultant in E-commerce, IT, and related fields for major firms, and has developed a number of interesting concepts along the way. He is now exploring new paradigms and concepts in the ever-changing world of the Web.
He lives with his wife, a talented artist who loves animals (perhaps explaining her affection for John?) in the scenic Pacific North-West, with their two cats, Desmond and Portia.
About Seamus
Seamus in his Jacobite-era Highland garb
Seamus is actually a nickname conferred by my Irish grandmother and Celtic friends. I have also led a rather interesting life - which is to say, it hasn't always been skittles and beer. I was born in Philadelphia, PA (one of the more westerly parishes of Eireann). My mother and her parents are from Ireland. My father's family are of Scottish stock, according to recieved tradition, but have been in America from at least the 1790s, when they first appear in the written record as settlers in the area of what is now Urbana, OH, but what was then the "Wild West."
I was fortunate to be exposed to the oral tradition of passing on the culture - first from my grandfather, the late Art McGee from Co. Antrim, and later by other mentors, including the late Tom Standeven of Philadelphia, the late John Vesey, and the late Eddie Cahill of Co. Sligo and Philadelphia, the late Peter Canice Fahy of Co. Leix, and the late Donald Rory Leslie, a native of Skye. These fine people introduced me to Irish and Scottish music, language, and traditions.
I enlisted in the U. S. Marines in 1966 following high school, and after a short time out following my first tour, re-enlisted and served for over a decade. (Slow learner!)
At different times, I have traveled and lived in Ireland, Scotland, and Nova Scotia, including much time in the Gaeltachts, learning from the many wonderful people who so generously shared their time and talent with me. Some of these people include:
In Ireland, the late pipers and makers, Dan Dowd and Mattie Kiernan (both of Dublin), the late Séosamh O hEigceartaigh of Gaoth Dobhair, Sean O Duinnin of Cul Aodh, among others.
In Scotland, Rev. MacKenzie (Uibhist a’ Tuath), Mrs. MacLeod (Beinn na Faoghla), and others.
In Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia; the late Angus R. Gillis and his entire family (especially the late John Neil Gillis), and their sister, the late Mae MacGillivray, the late Christine, and Jimmy Gillis), Frank MacDonald, the late Duncan Ranald Gillis and his wife Lizzy, and their families, and many others, (most, unfortunately, no longer with us) all of Gillisdale (SW Margaree); Sandy Cameron and his family, and Willy Kennedy, all of Mabou, and more.
From the Antigonish and Merigomish area of Nova Scotia; Anne MacDonald, Catherine MacKenzie, the late Mary C. MacLellan and the late Hugh A. MacDonald, the late Joseph "Johnny Joe" MacDonald, the late Angus MacQuarrie, the late Father Rod Chisholm and the late Father Jack MacGillivray, the late Ross MacEachern, James Hendra formerly of Beauly, Maureen Williams, their families, and others.
(For those many others: mentors, neighbors, and friends not mentioned by name, and far too numerous to list - pardon the ommission. You are all highly regarded, and you all know who you are.)
I hold a Bachelor's degree concentrating in Celtic Studies and a Master's degree in Education, and have played several instruments over the years, including the Highland and Irish bagpipes, flute, and penny-whistle.
I have been living in Oregon with my talented wife, Lisa, a noted fiber artist and quilter, and also a Celtic musician who plays the fiddle, guitar, and sings in Gaelic and English. We are in the process of moving to Ireland.
For any merit in this work, the thanks and praise go to my many teachers and mentors- for any dis-praise and / or errata, sins of commission or ommission, or any other ill thing herein - mea maxima culpa! The blame is entirely my own.
