This year, we’re delighted to present as our showcase performers…
Jillian O’Malley
Buaiteoir Bonn óir Sheáin Uí Riada 2020 is ea Jillian go bhfuil Craobhacha Sinsir na hÉireann buaite aici ar an fheadóg mhór, feadóg stáin & foinn mall. Tá sí bainteach leis an bhféile iomráiteach Féile Cois Cuain ina baile dhúchais i gContae Mhaigh Eo.
Jillian O’Malley is a flute and tin whistle player from Louisburgh in County Mayo. She has won numerous titles at Fleadhanna Ceoil down through the years including the 2013 Senior Flute, Senior Tin Whistle and Senior Flute Slow Airs competitions at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Derry. Jillian was also the recipient of the prestigious Seán O’Riada Gold Medal & Purse for flute and tin whistle players in 2020.
Her traditional style and repertoire is influenced predominantly by musicians from Mayo, North Connacht and Gaeltacht Chonamara. Now residing in County Clare, her love of Irish music, language and song continues to go hand in hand. Jillian is part of the organising committee of Féile Chois Cuain, one of Ireland’s premier traditional arts festivals which takes place in Louisburgh.
Claire McGrattan
As Cluain Dolcán I mBaile Átha Cliath is ea Claire. Tagann sí ó chlann iomráiteach fliúiteadóireachta a théann siar 3 glúin. Muineann sí go rialta ag Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, Féile Cois Cuain & Ceol na Locha agus tá sí fé thionchar ag sean stíleanna fliúiteadoireachta.
Claire McGrattan, from Clondalkin in County Dublin, is a flute and tin whistle player. She is steeped in the family flute playing tradition going back three generations. Claire’s music is very much based in the old traditional style of flute playing. She has taught music to adults and children for many years. She has taught and performed at many summer schools in Ireland including Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, Ceol na Locha, Féile Chois Chuain, Scoil Cheoil an Earraigh and Oideas Gael.