Brian O'Donovan was an extraordinary man.

Born just over the road in Clonakilty, he spent most of his life in Boston where he became the city's premier champion of Celtic music and culture. He was a regular visitor to our festival for many years, including last year while he was battling his illness, and was undoubtedly our number one Stateside promoter, sending countless visitors our way through his radio show A Celtic Sojourn 

Brian was known for his generous spirit, kindness and mentorship and he touched the lives of many in the music industry. He truly was a great friend, so kind and so positive, always ready to offer advice and support, and he took great pride in seeing our festival grow.

Brian passed away last October and today we pay our own small tribute to him with a gathering of amazing singers and musicians who knew him well. Thank you Brian, we will miss you.
 
Today's concerts features singers Cathy Jordan, Éilís Kennedy & Brendan McCarthy, supported by a stellar house band comprising of Caoimhín Vallely on keys, Gerry O'Beirne on guitars, Christy Leahy on accordion and Lena Jonsson & Brittany Haas on fiddles.
 
Roscommon born Cathy Jordan has been a professional singer with traditional group Dervish for nearly 30 years. She is a self-taught guitar, bouzouki, bodhrán and bones player.
 

Éilís Kennedy is a singer and songwriter steeped in the culture and rich  heritage of West Kerry. A consummate story teller, she has toured the  world and is a sought-after teacher of Irish Traditional song.

We couldn't really have a tribute to Brian without a singer from west Cork. Primary school principal Brendan McCarthy is one of the finest singers in the region and has been performing with local legends Open The Taps for over 20 years.

Caoimhín Vallely is one of the famous mucial family from Armagh and has been hanging out at the Fiddle Fair since he was in short pants. A founder member of bands such as the great North Cregg and Buille, he has also toured the world as part of Karan Casey's band.

Renowned guitarist and songwriter Gerry O’Beirne is a master of the six and twelve string and many other stringed instruments. His lyrical and passionate songs such as the Holy Ground and Western Highway have been recorded by Mary Black, Maura O’Connell, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh among many others.

Christy Leahy has been playing the accordion since he was a young lad and was a founder member of the iconic band North Cregg who are making a welcome return visit to Fiddle Fair this weekend.

when

11th May 14:30

at Fiddle Fair Marquee

Appearing with Lena Jonsson and Brittany Haas
Standard     €30.00
Sold Out
Standing €25.00