Gala Concert

Keane | Connolly | McGorman is a quartet of accomplished traditional Irish musicians who have shared a musical journey since their youth. The group features uilleann piper Pádraic Keane, Aidan Connolly on fiddle, and brothers Fergus McGorman on flute and Ruairí McGorman on the Greek bouzouki. Their music is a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, infused with influences from past masters of the genre. Each member has contributed to various musical projects, including collaborations with the RTE Concert Orchestra, winning prestigious Gradam Ceoil awards, and touring extensively across Europe, America, and Australia. They have also collaborated and recorded with esteemed artists such as De Danann, Frankie Gavin, Jack Talty, and John Blake, among others. Their debut album, self-titled “Keane | Connolly | McGorman,” was released in December 2023 under the renowned Raelach Records label, showcasing their exceptional talent and unique musical vision.

skilled in bass, baritone, treble, and piccolo. He collaborates with various artists, including Rushad Eggleston, Clíodhna Ní Bheaglaoich, Liam O’Connor, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, and Liam Ó Maonlaí, exploring diverse musical projects. Cormac is also a driving force behind Airt and the acclaimed Tunes in the Church live concert series in Galway and Dublin. Cormac Begley has been delving into new collaborations, recently teaming up with acclaimed artists like Lisa O’Neill. These collaborations showcase his versatility and commitment to exploring fresh musical landscapes.

Jack Talty, a multifaceted Irish musician, composer, and producer from Lissycasey, County Clare, channels the rich tradition of Irish music through his mastery of piano and concertina, skills honed under the tutelage of his uncle, Noel Hill. As a co-founder of Ensemble Eriu and the principal concertina player for the Irish Memory Orchestra, Talty’s contributions to music have earned him accolades, including the prestigious 2015 TG4 Gradam Ceoil Award for Music Collaboration with Ensemble Eriu.

Cormac Begley and Jack Talty’s collaboration on their album “Na Fir Bolg” showcases a brilliant synergy of the concertina, blending their respective talents to create a captivating exploration of Irish traditional music, characterised by rich harmonies and inventive arrangements.

Blending traditional Irish music with a contemporary flair, Breaking Trad presents an electrifying fusion of dynamic tunes and captivating vocals. The trio comprises Dónal Murphy, an accordion virtuoso from Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, known for his multiple All-Ireland titles on both button accordion and melodeon. Joining him is David Doocey, a fiddle maestro from Foxford, Co. Mayo, celebrated for his accolades in competitions such as the All-Ireland Senior Fiddle and the prestigious Fiddler of Oriel trophy. Rounding out the ensemble is Mike Galvin, a versatile guitarist and vocalist with a diverse musical background spanning rock and roll to traditional Irish. Together, they have traversed the globe, gracing renowned festivals and stages, and sharing billing with luminaries across genres, including Four Men and a Dog, De Dannan, Michael Flatley, Sean Keane, Tim O’Brien, Alison Krauss, Gráda, and many others.