SHOWCASES 2024

This year, we’re delighted to present as our showcase performers…

MAITIÚ GAFFNEY

As Baile Átha Cliath do Mhaitiú Gaffney a sheinneann an fheadóg mhór agus an oll-dord. Is tionchar mhór a athair, Martin as Cill na Seanráithe, ar cheol Mhaitiú thairis na blianta. Tá Maitiú mar iar-chéimí in Acadamh Ríoga an Cheoil i Londain fé láthair agus seinneann sé le iliomad grúpaí agus ceolfhoirne go rialta.

Maitiú Gaffney is a flute and double bass player from Dublin. He has performed traditional music at home in Ireland and abroad in Europe playing in Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. His father, the Killeshandra flute player, Martin Gaffney has influenced Maitiú’s flute playing since a young age, immersing him in traditional music, flute playing and regular participating in Fleadhs, festivals and sessions all over the country. Maitiú is a member of the Craobh Naithí Branch of Comhaltas in Dublin. He is currently studying a postgraduate degree in classical double bass at the Royal Academy of Music in London and regularly performs with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, the Ulster Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, Camerata Ireland and the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland in Dublin.

CONOR MCDONAGH

As Cill Fhábhail, Co Sligeach is ea Conor McDonagh agus tá rian na háite sin le clos ina chuid fliúiteadóireacht i dteannta tionchar Tansey, Mick Woods & Harry Bradley. Tá iliomad duaiseanna fachta age Conor thairis na blianta ag Fleadhanna Cheoil agus bhí sé le clos i gcraobh ceannais Bonn Óir Uí Riada i mbliana.

Conor McDonagh hails from Killavil, County Sligo, a place renowned for traditional music over the decades. He has been greatly influenced by the flute-playing of Séamus Tansey, Mick Woods and Harry Bradley. Conor was a finalist in the Seán Ó Riada Bonn Óir competition this year and has won many accolades at Fleadhanna Cheoil over the years. Alongside Ryan Sheridan and Sinéad Johnston, he won the prestigious Trio competition at the All-Ireland Fleadh in 2023.