Robert Cinnamond

Robert Cinnamond was born in 1884 in Tullyballydonnell, a townland near the eastern shore of Lough Neagh in County Antrim, Ireland. He grew up in a musical family and learned many songs from his parents, grandparents, and neighbours. He also collected songs from other singers in the area, especially from the travelling community. He had a remarkable memory and could recall hundreds of songs, some of which were unique or rare. He sang in both English and Irish, and his style was high-pitched and expressive. He was a farmer and a labourer, and also a founding chairman of St. Joseph's Gaelic Football club. He married Elizabeth Murphy in 1913 and they had nine children, but she died in 1936 giving birth to their youngest child. Robert continued to sing and share his songs with anyone who was interested. He was interviewed and recorded by several folklorists and broadcasters, including Seán Ó Boyle, Diane Hamilton, and Proinsias Ó Conluain. He also appeared on BBC and RTE radio programmes, such as As I Roved Out and Music on the Hearth. Some of his songs were released on cassette and vinyl records, and influenced other singers and musicians, such as Steeleye Span and Frankie Kennedy. He died in 1968 at the age of 84 and was buried in Ballinderry Cemetery. He is remembered as one of the most important and prolific traditional singers of Ireland.