|  Tom Byrne came to
Clevleland in 1948 by way of Toronto, from Geevagh, County Sligo. He
married in 1953 and raised 11 children, 4 boys and 7 girls. Playing and
teaching Irish music was sport and relaxing for him. He was intrumental
in influencing many a musician, whether they were accomplished or a beginner.
Although he is known for playing the Flute, he could
also play the accordeon, harmonica and melodeon. He was very active
in the irish music scene in Cleveland helping to establish The Cleveland
Irish Musicians Association, The United Irish Society, and The
Irish Music Academy of Cleveland.
In 1957 he, along with Tom
McCaffrey, was invited
to Washington to help celebrate America's bicentennial at which time
they were juried and recorded at the Smithsonian Institute. At the Simthsonian
it is recorded that Tom Byrne is a "Master Concert Flutist" who
could not read a note of music.
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