Gala Concert

Liam O’Connor and Cormac Begley are two of Ireland’s leading traditional musicians, celebrated for their distinctive styles and deep connection to place and tradition. Together, they create a compelling musical experience, blending expressive fiddle playing with the rich rhythms of the concertina, and their latest recording, Into the Loam, highlights their shared musical vision and deep-rooted connection to the tradition.

Liam O’Connor, from Dublin, is one of Ireland’s most acclaimed fiddle players. A winner of the Senior All-Ireland Fiddle Championship, he is known for his lyrical, fluid style and deep understanding of Irish music. His solo album The Loom was named Trad Album of the Year 2017 by The Irish Times, and he was nominated for Best Folk Instrumentalist at the 2018 RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards. Liam has performed with leading musicians including Liam O’Flynn, Noel Hill, Tony MacMahon, Seán McKeon, and Cormac Begley, and serves as musical director for projects with the Irish Traditional Music Archive.

Hailing from West Kerry, Cormac Begley is a master of the concertina, performing on bass to piccolo instruments with emotive power and rhythmic drive. His innovative style, rich family heritage, and collaborations across genres make his performances immersive and inspiring, cementing his place as one of Ireland’s foremost traditional musicians.

Stephanie Keane, originally from Limerick city, began her Irish dancing journey at just four years of age and went on to compete at World Championship level in Irish Step Dancing. Inspired by her mother Imelda, an All-Ireland Champion, Stephanie developed a strong sense of rhythm and musicality from an early age. After relocating to East Clare 15 years ago, she immersed herself in the tradition of sean nós dancing, discovering a deeper connection to Irish traditional music and dance. Through exploring rhythms, percussion and influences from other cultures, Stephanie has created her own distinctive free-style Irish dance form. Today, she is widely recognised as a talented dance artist, performer, teacher and choreographer, celebrated for her expressive percussive style and innovative approach to traditional Irish dance.

Irish sean-nós sister duo ACGE – An Chéad Ghlúin Eile – hail from the Gaeltacht village of Ráth Chairn, where Irish is spoken as the community’s native language. Sisters Étáin and Máire Ní Churraoin grew up immersed in music and song, inspired by their parents and the strong sean-nós tradition at the heart of local gatherings and sessions. The duo first rose to national prominence after winning TG4’s family talent competition Réalta agus Gaolta in 2019. Since then, they have performed traditional Irish and folk songs in harmony across Ireland and internationally. Their acclaimed debut album, Cá’il an Bheirt?, received the Album of the Year 2025 award at the Nós Awards. ACGE have also featured on major television programmes including The Reluctant Traveller with Eugene Levy on Apple TV, RTÉ’s Nationwide and TG4’s Bláth na hÓige. Passionate ambassadors for Irish language and culture, the sisters were named 2022 Culture Night Ambassadors for Ealaín na Gaeltachta.

Featuring Cathal O’Hayden on fiddle and banjo, and Seamie O’Dowd on guitar and vocals, Máirtín O’Connor leads a powerhouse ensemble, combining mastery, creativity, and deep respect for Irish tradition.

The Máirtín O’Connor Band has been performing together since 2001, building a reputation for exceptional musicianship and remarkable interplay. Seamlessly moving between original compositions and traditional tunes, the trio delivers performances that are both electrifying and emotionally resonant, offering audiences a vibrant and unforgettable musical experience. Their weekend visit to Limerick also includes masterclasses for young musicians in collaboration with Music Generation Limerick County.

Máirtín O’Connor, Ireland’s 2015 Traditional Musician of the Year (TG4 Gradam Ceoil), is celebrated for his innovative accordion work with Riverdance, De Dannan, Skylark, and Midnight Well, and as a solo performer. Cathal O’Hayden, multiple All-Ireland champion and founding member of Four Men and a Dog, is renowned for his extraordinary fiddle and banjo playing. Seamie O’Dowd, accomplished guitarist, fiddler, and songwriter, has collaborated with legends including Christy Moore, The Chieftains, and Martin Hayes, bringing depth and nuance to the trio’s sound.