Sean Carroll - (Button Accordion), is from Teesan, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo. He is a member of the renowned Dartry Céilí Band and was taught to play accordion by his father Michael, originally from Co. Leitrim who also played with the well known Leitrim Ceili Group. Sean played for a time with Sligo Senior Gaelic footballers in the 90's.
Teresa O'Grady
Theresa O'Grady was born and brought up in Luton, England. She learnt to play the banjo at a young age in Luton and went on to win All Ireland titles in the Banjo and Trio competitions with her two brothers James and Ciaran. Theresa moved to Dublin in the late 90's but now lives just outside Aclare, Co Sligo with her husband Declan Payne an accomplised Piano Accordion player. She plays sessions regularly in the Tubbercurry area of Sligo.
Junior Davey
Junior comes out of a family deeply rooted in the musical tradition of South Sligo. The strongest musical influence on Junior has obviously always been his father Andrew (Andy) Davey, who was an authority in the Sligo fiddle playing. But also bodhrán-inspiration was available in the family: Junior's uncle, Ned Keane from Culfadda, was a recognised handstriker (old hand style bodhrán playing) in the local area.
When it comes to contemporaries Junior is highly influenced by Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh , Maurice 'Mossie' Griffin, John Joe Kelly and Ronan Moloney. Bodhrán player and -maker Seamus O'Kane from Lower Drum, Dungiven, Co. Derry, had- and still has a positive and constructive impact on Junior and his music.
Junior has won the All-Ireland Championship on the bodhrán five times (1990, 1993, 1996, 1997 & 1999) and is the most winning bodhrán player at the All-Ireland ever.
The most important companion in Junior's musical life is without any discussion fiddle player Declan Folan from Doobeg, Doocastle, Bunninaden, Co Sligo. They have been playing as a duet for many years and have a telepatic musical understanding.
In 1995 the two friends recorded a wonderful album titled "Skin and Bow".
In 2005 Junior launched his first solo-album titled "A Sound Skin" which is his latest contribution to Irish traditional music.
Over the years Junior has worked as a guest musician and has contributed to several albums. He is an experienced teacher and have taught for many years in Ireland and abroad.
Cian Kearins
Cian Kearins comes from the Ballymote area, Co. Sligo. He is a school teacher by profession and has won senior all Ireland titles in Flute, Whistle and signing in recent years.
Néillidh Mulligan
Néillidh Mulligan is one of Ireland's most distinguished uilleann pipers. He is the fourth generation to carry on this tradition and was first taught by his father Tom Mulligan, the renowned fiddle-player and piper. This tuition was followed by more formal lessons from the great Leo Rowsome in the Dublin Municipal School of Music and The Pipers Club. Through his father Tom’s friendship with Séamus Ennis and Tommy Reck he was later to come under the influence of these two great masters of the uilleann pipes.
Néillidh has won All-Ireland titles at various age levels, has toured extensively around the world and has represented Ireland at various bagpipe festivals throughout Europe. He is a founding member, patron and former chairman of Na Píobairí Uilleann – The Society of Uilleann Pipers.
Michael Rooney
Michael Rooney is originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan. He plays harp, concertina and has composed a number of suites of music, including 'The Battle of the Books' in 2006. He teaches in Coola Vocational School, Co. Sligo. Michael is Musical Director of the Dartry Céilí Band.
Phillip Duffy
Philip Duffy, originally from Tubbercurry he now lives in Carney, Co. Sligo. He is the founder member and fiddle player with the Dartry Céilí Band and is a former All-Ireland winner. Philip also has a solo album on general release called ‘Killin’ Clocks’.
John Wynne
John Wynne is one of the finest flute players of his time. From Roscommon town, John was naturally drawn to playing in the celebrated North Connaught flute style. After initial tuition from Paddy Ryan, John was helped in starting the flute by the great Patsy Hanley. His playing was strongly influenced by players from the region, such as Matt Molloy, Seamus Tansey and Peter Horan.
John has won All-Ireland titles at various grades on flute and whistle. He plays and teaches regularly at workshops and festivals in Ireland and abroad.
Anthony McGrath
Derry born Anthony McGrath plays steel string guitar and bouzouki, and more recently has been playing nylon strung guitar, enjoying the instruments rich colorful tone and dynamic variation. Although now based in Galway, Anthony has played extensively in Europe, North America and Australia. His inspiration comes not only from the wealth of traditional Irish music that he has played, but from sources as varied and eclectic as Breton, Spanish, American old time, swing jazz and classical music. Currently he can be heard playing on Harry Bradleys 'as I carelessly did stray' album and Enda Scahill's 'Pick it up" album.
Pauline Hanly
Born and reared in Killygordon, Co. Donegal, Pauline now lives in Kilrooskey, Co. Roscommon with her husband, renowned flute player, Patsy Hanly. Pauline is one of the foremost traditional singers of her generation. All-Ireland champion on three occasions, she is blessed with a great voice.
Her choice of songs and her singing are always of the best quality and it is these traits that she passes on to her many pupils down through the years. Of course many of her pupils have gone on to All Ireland glory also.
Gerard Butler
The renowned Gerard Butler gives Set and Sean Nos Dancing classes in the Ard Ri House Hotel on Sat 17th from 11 - 1pm and 2 - 4pm.
Declan Donoghue
Award winning, self-taught bones player and local man Declan Donoghue will hold a traditional bones playing workshop on Saturday Sept 17th, 11am-1pm in Mercy Primary School. All welcome!
Seán Keane
Seán Keane was born in a small village called Caherlistrane near Tuam in County Galway into a musical family, including his renowned sister Dolores. He took a first prize in the Connaught Fleadh for singing in English.
Together with Frances Black and others he was a founder member of the group Arcady. He was voted Performer of the Year by readers of Irish Music Magazine in 97/98 and 98/99, and called "the greatest Irish musical find of the `90's" (London Independent), and "the fastest rising star of the Irish music scene" (Irish Times).
His musical voice is unique and his songs encompass a mixture of traditional Irish folk music, pop, blues, and country.
Seán Keane has released seven solo albums and collaborated on five others.
John Faulkner
John Faulkner is a musician and singer / song writer. His music is multi-faceted and based
on his knowledge of the Celtic tradition. His deep interest in ethnic music of all kinds eventually drew him to the strong living
tradition of music in Ireland.
Although ancestrally from Dublin and Kildare, he has lived in
the west of Ireland for many years, and being in close proximity to many of the finest
singers and musicians of that area, he has learned at first hand the essence of that music.
As a working musician he has toured extensively throughout the world, in the USA, Canada,
Scandinavia, Europe, the Far East and Australia.
As well as being a solo performer he has
worked for many years with Dolores Keane as a duet co-performer and as musical director and
arranger for her band.
He has also shared the stage with many other musicians in the Irish
scene, most notably Kevin Burke, Arty McGlynn, Nolaig Casey and De Dannan. His recording career to date consists of appearances on fifteen albums, four of which he
produced, two of which he co-produced and two of which are solo albums.
Celebrity Jigs 'n Reels
Celebrity Jigs and Reels (Tuam Style) takes place in Geoghegan's Bar on Sunday 4th September at 8.30pm. Tickets are €8 and will be available on the door. All proceeds will go towards the funding of the Tuam Trad Festival 2011. BE EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. Training has already begun under the watchful eye of all-Ireland Champion dancer Ger Butler.
Contestants will go through 6 weeks of training. They deserve your support so bring banners on the night supporting your favorite contestant!
So far confirmed dancers are:
Martin McNamara (Spar Bishop St., The West Wing, Former GAA All-Star)
Martin Nally (The Bridge Bar, Professional Athlete)
Alan Furey (The Abbey Tavern, Bar Man of the Year 1993)
Derbhna Coen (Joe Dolan and Associates, Dowling University Long Island Basketball Captain 2010)
Hugh Gallagher (Local Community Garda, renowned Musician/Singer)
Dympna Sharkey (Corralea Court Hotel, Tagaholics Tag Rugby Captain 2011)
Alan Bradburn (Geoghegans Nightclub, Former Leicester City Soccer Player)
Ronan Long (Property Long, High Street, Former Kerry GAA player, Musician)
Michelle Martyn (Galway Camogie Player)
Eugene Finnegan (Earwig Arts/Set and stage designer)
Stiofán de Lundres Ó Dálaigh (Current World & European University Masters' Champion)
Jane McNamara (Green Park Nursing Home, Actress with Marion Choral Society)
Jimmy Wynne (Door Motion LTD, Singer, Former Tuam RFC player!)
MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!!!!!!!!!!!
Claire Toland
After studying Fine Art in Belfast, Derry-born artist Claire Toland left the bustle of the big city and moved to live in the beautiful Inishowen penninsula.
Clare's style's are varied, ranging from landscape, musical expression, literary interpretation to abstract.Claires worked can be viewed on facebook.
The Dartry Céilí Band
The Dartry Céilí Band, from County Sligo, have just released their first recording ‘The Killavil Post’. In August 2009 they won the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. The Dartry Céilí Band made history as being only the second Céilí Band to bring the title West of the Shannon since 1953. The 11 members of the band hail from the counties of Sligo, Mayo and Roscommon.
Comprising of flutes, fiddles, concertina, accordion, piano and drums, the band plays with great energy and drive. In addition to the dance tunes, there are two songs on this recording, ‘The Piper’ by Cian Kearins and ‘Far Away in Australia’ by Noelle Carroll.
The Dartry Céilí Band at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2008
"Making the Pages Sing"
Founding members of the group Maigh Seola, Aine Sheridan and Brid Dooley, perform an intimate and insightful recital of songs steeped in the history of Tuam and its surrounds. The pairing of harp and voice has breathed new life into the music collected in the early part of the last century by Eiblin Bean Mhic Choisdealbha, a woman who left an indelible mark on Tuam’s cultural past. Her book, Amhrain Mhuige Seola published in 1923 has strong personal connections for Aine and Brid and their passion for the music shines through in their performance. (Their long standing commitment to the songs and tunes has been realised in Maigh Seola’s debut CD Beyond The Mearing Wall.)
Aine Sheridan and Brid Dooley perform the Songs of Maigh Seola at the Ard Ri Hotel Foyer on Sunday September 18th at 1.30pm.
Tuam Trad Festival 2012
Mark it in you calendar! The third annual Tuam Trad Festival has been confirmed for the weekend of September 14th - 16th 2012. Now an established and prestigious traditional festival, Tuam will play host to the best of traditional entertainers from across the country and further afield for
a feast of Traditional music, song and dance.
Some Highlights for this year's festival:
Friday September 14th -
» Opening Concert, featuring an eclectic mix of the finest local and national musicians, singers and dancers.
» Evening sessions across the town
Saturday September 15th -
» Music, Song and Dance Workshops, morning and afternoon. Beginners, intermediate and advanced classes in many disciplines.
» Tutors concert.
» Saturday Night Ceili Mór.
Sunday September 16th -
» Special Irish Festival Mass
» Afternoon Concet and all day Trad Sessions
