Tinsmith, storyteller and traditional fiddler, John Doherty, travels the hills of Donegal. Here he talks to Sean O'Haughey of the Irish Folklore Commission.

John Doherty was born into a very musical travelling family in February 1900 in the Ardara area of Co Donegal as the youngest of 9 children.The film follows John’s travels and explores the Doherty family’s place in the musical traditions of the countryside.

John’s parents were Mickey Mór Doherty and Mary McConnell. Mickey Mór Doherty had a musical inheritance of a couple of generations of both Doherty and Sweeney musicians on his father’s side. Also, Mary McConnell was a sister of Alec and Mickey McConnell who were very well known travelling tinsmiths and fiddle players in their day.

This film was the UTV entry in the 1972 Golden Harp Festival.

Featuring John Doherty and friends in south west Donegal

Narrated by Denys Hawthorne 

Additonal material written by Ian Hill 

Film cameraman: John MacGaffin

Film sound by James McGirr

Additional stills by Kenneth McNally

Adviser: Brian O'Donnell

Film Editor: Joe Lyttle

Producer: Andrew Crockart 

Produced by Ulster Television