Charles Fanning (harper)

Charles Fanning, Irish harper, born Foxford, County Mayo, 1736, died after 1792. A son of a comfortable farmer and notable harper named Loughlin Fanning, he was taught by County Roscommon harper, Thady Smith. A friend and rival of Arthur O'Neill, Fanning performed at the Granard Harp Festivals of 1781, 1782 and 1783, each time winning first prize. He accomplished the same feat at Belfast in 1792.