The Máirtín O’Connor Trio among acts performing at Connacht Fleadh in Mayo
Virtuoso accordion player Máirtín O’Connor brings his remarkable trio to Ballina Arts Centre today (Saturday, June 24) as one of the headline acts of the Connacht Fleadh, taking place in the north Mayo capital until July 2.
Since 2001, the Máirtín O’Connor Band has built a powerful musical partnership between Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd, all individually recognised as figureheads of the tradition bringing astounding skill and diversity to their play.
Their expertise as master musicians is well established and their collaborations produce an electric and musically charged atmosphere.
In an extra treat for music lovers, the evening will include a performance from the talented musicians of the Mayo Teenage Trad Ensemble.
Initially established when Máirtín invited the others to play on his groundbreaking Road West album back in 2001 and again later on the acclaimed Rain of Light, the three musicians of the Máirtin O’Connor Trio have built a formidable musical relationship over the last few years, playing together frequently as well as collaborating in the studio.
The Máirtin O’Connor Trio concert is just one of a rich and varied programme of events taking place over the course of the Connacht Fleadh and Community Fleadh, the latter running alongside the main event this coming week.
Ballina was this year selected by Comhaltas to pilot the Community Fleadh initiative, which invites other organisations in the community to be part of the Fleadh and showcase their organisation or club.
The Connacht Community Fleadh programme includes uilleann piping workshops, masterclasses, GAA challenge games, trips to Croagh Patrick and the Céide Fields, lectures, quizzes, historical walks, busking, rowing and lots more.
Bríd Harper and Dermot Byrne will deliver a masterclass on Thursday, June 29, followed by a recital. On Wednesday, June 28, the Jackie Clarke Collection will host an Eamonn Ceannt lecture with his grandniece, Mary Gallagher, and Eamonn Ceannt’s own uileann pipes will be on display during the week.
A full festival programme is available at www.connachtfleadh.ie, and tickets for the Máirtin O’Connor Trio are available from www.ballinaartscentre.com or by calling the box office on (096) 73593. Doors open at 7.30 p.m. this evening.