__NOTOC__ Jimmy Ward (1909 in Tullagha, Kilfenora – 1987 in Milltown Malbay) was a well known Irish traditional banjo player and lilter out of Milltown Malbay, County Clare, Ireland.
Ward originally played the flute, piccolo and the whistle, but changed to the banjo in the 1940s.Tunesearch - Jimmy Ward's Jig
Ward was one of the founders of the renewed Kilfenora Céilí Band in 1927. He was still a part of the band when they won three consecutive All Ireland championships at the Fleadh Cheoil.
He is the namesake of Jimmy Ward's Jig.Celtic Groove
In 1974, Ward decided to leave the Kilfenora Céilí Band. He started a new band named Bannermen with PJ Murrihy and Michael SextonKilfenora Céilí Band - History
Later in life, Ward moved to Milltown Malbay, where he opened a small shop. In the early seventies he had a severe car crash in Inagh.Contrary to the source, his son and granddaughter claim that he fully recovered from the crash.
Ward died in 1987.
Recordings
With the Kilfenora Céilí Band LPs Clare Céilí, ?, EMIThe Kilfenora Ceili Band — a century of great Irish music The Kilfenora Céilí Band, 1974, TransatlanticIrish Music Review - Tommy Peoples
CDs Traditional Irish Fiddle Music, 1998 (remastered version of The Kilfenora Céilí Band)
With the Laichtín Naofa Céilí Band LPs Come to an Irish Dance Party, 1959Come to an Irish Dance Party
CDs Come to an Irish Dance Party, 2008. A re-issue of the historic recording of 1959 digitally re-mastered.
External links
References