John McKenna (1880-1947)was an ex-miner from the Arigna coalfield on the Roscommon/Leitrim border, who went to the US for work, and recorded a (known) 44 tracks of flute music in New York in the 20s and 30s. His 78 records found their way back to Ireland and had a huge influence on the Leitrim flute tradition to this day. These 78s, his complete known works, will soon be produced as a double CD by the John McKenna Society of nearby Drumkeeran, and launched at the John McKenna festival in Drumkeeran on June 7, 2014.
This man can be compared to the greats of Irish music, such as Morrison and Coleman, and this double CD will be a major event in Irish musical history. There will be further launches at the Willie Clancy week in Clare, the Joe Mooney Festival in Drumshanbo and the
Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo.
   Sean Gilrane of Ballinaglera, himself an excellent Leitrim-style flute player has done research for the 96 page booklet and further details will be found in my item on the subject in the current issue of 'Living Tradition' Issue 101, out this week.