James Byrne

James is the most well known exponent of Glencolmcille’s longstanding fiddle tradition and is considered one of the leading fiddlers in Ireland today. Born in Meenacross, Glencolmcille, in South-West Donegal he grew up surrounded by music – his father John and many neighbours played the fiddle, and both Mickey and John Doherty regularly called to and spend time in Meenacross. James has an unequalled store of old tunes and the lore attached to them and has done much to ensure the continuation of Donegal fiddling. A much sought after performer he also regularly teaches at summer schools and festivals and has inspired many players with his great gift for music and his in depth knowledge of traditional music and folklore. His tone and style of playing are exceptional and to hear him play is a great experience.

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Kitty Sean Cunningham

Kitty Sean from Teelin is one of the great characters in the traditional music scene in Donegal. Now in her late eighties, she is known the length and breath of the country and beyond for her lilting and singing, her stories and her dancing. Kitty who never learned to play an instrument yet came to be the custodian of a great store of very old local tunes which she learned from legendary players like Frank and Con Cassidy, John Doherty and Jimmy Lyons and which she in turn passed on through her lilting. Many of theses tunes, like the now famous Kitty Sean’s Barn dance, made popular first through the playing of James Byrne, have found their way into the repertoire of musicians from Ireland to America.

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Maire Ní Choilm

Maire is from Gweedore is highly regarded seannos singer. She is a member of Cór Mhuire in Derrybeg and has been singing since her childhood. Maire has won numerous competitions over the years including the U18 singing competition at the Oireachtas in Galway in 1993 and later the Women’s class in 1996. In 2005 she won the All Ireland Fleadh. Maire has been giving workshops in Lewis, Glasgow, Boulder and at various festivals around Ireland. She is no stranger to Glencolmcille, having spent several summers teaching Irish at Oideas Gael in the past. Maire now lives in Sligo and teaches at Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré.

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Patricia Flynn

Patricia was born in Dromintee County Armagh - an area steeped in the traditions of music, song, dance and storytelling. Patricia is recognised as one of the finest exponents of the Northern Song tradition. Her early songs were learned from her mother but her repertoire contains songs from all over Ireland with a huge emphasis on the Ulster Tradition. She was one of the originators of the Slieve Gullion Singers’ Festival which takes place every October. She has performed at many festivals throughout Ireland, England, Scotland and Europe and will be travelling to Washington this summer to take part in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Her recent release ”Stray Leaves” features a collection of songs from Ulster, both accompanied and unaccompanied singing. These days Patricia divides her free time between Mullaghbawn Co Armagh, and Kilcar in Donegal.

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Dance workshops

Dance workshops held during the festival offer a choice of Donegal Two Hand Dances and Ceili dancing with Clement Gallagher, Ardara as well as Sean-nós dancing with Brian Cunningham from Connemara. Brian, an Oireachtas champion, has toured Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and most recently performed in the National Concert Hall on St Patrick’s Day.

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