Irish traditional musician (1939–2014)
Patrick Joseph McGuigan (8 December 1939 – 17 March 2014), known as Paddy Joe McGuigan , was an Irish traditional musician and songwriter who played for some years with The Barleycorn folk group. He wrote a number of well-known Irish rebel songs, including "The Men Behind the Wire ", "The Boys of the Old Brigade ", "Irish Soldier Laddie ", "Freedom Walk " and "Bring Them Home ".
McGuigan, a native of Belfast , wrote "The Men Behind the Wire" in the aftermath of internment [ 1] in Northern Ireland . The song describes police raids in Northern Ireland by British security forces during the Troubles , and the "men behind the wire" refers to those interned without trial at HM Prison Maze , HM Prison Magilligan and onboard HMS Maidstone .[ 1] [ 2] [ 3] [ 4] McGuigan himself was arrested and interned for three months after writing the song.[ 3]
McGuigan released his only solo album with Dolphin Records (DOLM 5012) in 1975, My Country, My Songs and Me .[ 5] Along with Dermot O'Brien, he also produced the album, The Price Of Justice ,[ 6] featuring Kathleen Largey of the Flying Column Music Group .
McGuigan died on 17 March 2014 following a short illness.
References
External links
Media related to Paddy McGuigan at Wikimedia Commons
Gaelic Ireland United Irishmen Famine & Young Ireland 1916 & War of Independence Civil War & Anti-Treaty The Troubles Writers