O'Carolan, Turlough

Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738), a harpist and composer, was born in Nobber, County Meath, Ireland. His father was poor, and total blindness, resulting from smallpox at the age of 17, led O'Carolan to become an itinerant minstrel. Furnished with a harp, a horse, and an attendant, he began at 21 to make a circuit of gentlemen's houses, and was entertained as a friend, never playing for hire. He composed more than 200 songs, words and music, a good proportion celebrating the virtues of his benefactors.