Connellan, Thomas (1625/40–c.1700), harpist and composer, was born in Cloonamahon, Collooney, Co. Sligo. Though details of his life remain obscure, he was reputedly the most accomplished predecessor of Turlough Carolan (qv). Connellan led the life of a traditional Gaelic bard, spending many years in Scotland, where he popularised ‘Lochabar’ (though often attributed to Connellan, this tune was actually composed by Myles O'Reilly of Killinkere, Co. Cavan), and was awarded civic honours in Edinburgh. He was also well known throughout Ireland, and his skill was praised in the anonymous contemporary ode ‘Enchanter I say’. As well as a distinguished performer he was a prolific composer, and is said to have written over 700 airs, though few of these have survived. His compositions include: ‘Molly St George’ (one of the earliest harp tunes for which the appropriate lyrics are extant), ‘The breach of Aughrim’, ‘The dawning of the day’ and ‘The golden star’. His time and place of death remain uncertain: Hardiman claims he died c.1700 at Lough Gur, Co. Limerick, while other sources state he died in Edinburgh.
Connellan's younger brother William (or Lawrence, according to some sources), was also a talented harpist, and spent some time in Scotland. He is credited with composing ‘Molly MacAlpin’ (said to have been a favourite with Carolan), ‘Lady Iveagh’, and ‘Seabh Kelly’.