John Campbell

1933 – 2006

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has learned with regret of the death of John Campbell, story teller and singer from Mullachbán, South Armagh. John died after a short illness at his home on Monday 2 nd October 2006.

John was regarded as the leading seanchaí or story teller to emerge from Ireland and was in constant demand to perform throughout Ireland, Britain and America. His humorous and vivid descriptions of rural South East Ulster could hold any audience and his rendition of traditional songs from the area captivated all who were lucky enough to ever have met him. John won awards in recognition of his contribution to the traditional arts and in recent years preformed with his friend, the renowned singer Len Graham, to school children throughout the country.

Paul Flynn, Arts Council Traditional Arts Officer said, “As a neighbour and a friend of John I can say that John seldom put on a performance as folklore and stories were a way of life for him. It was just the way he went on, as they say at home. He will be sadly missed and will be remembered as one of the finest Ulster bards”.

He is survived by his wife Eithne, daughter Mary, sons John, Peter and Patrick and grandchildren.