Anthony McHenry

Anthony McHenry

Anthony McHenry

Born in 1932 Anthony McHenry from Glenagiveny has been the main source of music for the communities around Greencastle, Moville.  Anthony’s parents Mary Doherty, from Carndonagh and Barney McHenry, from Glenagivney both came from singing families, Barney also played concertina, button accordion, flute and whistle and was self-taught.

Anthony was self-taught originally and formed a 3 piece band with his cousin Lawrence McHenry (10yrs his senior) and his brother-in-law James McCann (20yrs his senior). The 3 played C/C# button accordions, however Anthony also plays piano accordion and violin and the viola.

Anthony decided at 26 years of age to take lessons on music theory from local music teacher, Mrs Wilson. Obtaining music notation from Philip’s and Davidson’s music shops in Derry, Anthony, Lawerence and Barney set about learning many of the popular tunes of the day which at that time was the music of Jimmy Shand. In Inishowen many homes could only receive BBC radio. For many Inishowen musicans such as Anthony they tuned in every Saturday evening at 7pm to pick up music broadcasts.  Eddie Gillen from Mossy Glen was an accomplished 2 row button accordion player. Eddie was taught by the Gilmartins from Moville who were music teachers. Jimmy Doherty from Gleneely was another champion button accordion player. Brian McGeady, a nephew is also a noted musician.