Background material on this years performers
Dermy Diamond
Dermy comes from Belfast, and learned his early music from local players in Belfast, Antrim and Down, such as Andy Dickson and Gerry McCartney. Later, he and Tara travelled extensively across Ireland, playing and spending time with musicians from many parts of the country, particularly Clare, Cork, Kerry, Donegal and Fermanagh. He has played on several albums, including Thiar i nGleann Ceo (Albert Fry), Yahoo (Frankie Lane), and Lámh ar Lámh (with Pádraic Mac Mathúna). He was a participant in three Music Network tours, with, amongst others, Dolores Keane, John Faulkner, Paddy Keenan, Maighréad Ní Dhomhnaill, Fintan Vallely, Con Fada Ó Drisceoil and Charlie Harris. Tara and Dermy’s son Danny plays the fiddle and their daughter Helen plays the fiddle and sings. Helen will be joining Dermy on stage Friday night.
“Zoë Conway – Folk Instrumentalist of the Year 2020” RTE Radio 1 Folk Awards
“Simply one of the best folk duos on the planet” (BBC)
With an exciting blend of eclectic fiddle and guitar music, Zoë Conway and John Mc Intyre bring to the stage sympathetic arrangements of traditional Irish music, compositions and songs, old and new. The husband and wife folk duo possess a rare facility to draw pieces into their repertoire from other genres such as classical, jazz and world music and express this material in way which not only displays the sheer range and knowledge of both instrumentalists but also exhibits the wonderful versatility of their instruments.
McDaid Family from Isle of Doagh
Hailing from the Isle of Doagh,the McDaid family has been steeped in Irish music for generations. Their lifelong dedication to the tradition is reflected in their many achievements and contributions to the cultural life of their community. Family members have enjoyed notable success in individual and Grupa cheoil and numerous feiseanna,proudly represented the Urris GAA club in scor sinsir and scor na nòg.They have also taught music to local children ensuring the tradition continues to flourish. This evening three generations of the family are here, from near and far, to celebrate that rich legacy – John his six children plus two of their partners and several of his grandchildren – gather together to share their enjoyment of ‘ceol agus craic’!
Inishowen Traditional Singers’ Circle
The Inishowen Traditional Singers’ Circle is a voluntary community organisation formed in 1988 to encourage, foster and perpetuate the folk song and ballad tradition of the Inishowen Peninsula, Co. Donegal. They do so by Organising regular opportunities for people to meet and sing, including monthly sessions and an annual festival of traditional singing; Providing platforms to share the wealth of the Peninsula’s local song tradition: events, digital and hard-copy multimedia publishing, broadcasting, performing & lecturing. Striving to keep singing accessible, relevant and alive for everyone.
This year’s performers from the Inishowen Traditional Singers’ Circle:
Seamus McRory accompanied by his daughter Lucy and his granddaughter Molly.
Fitz Howard – Guitar Maker & Repair Specialist
Fitz Howard is a respected luthier based in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, with a particular passion for guitar repair and restoration. With years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of acoustic instrument construction, Fit brings damaged or aging guitars back to life—always with a focus on tone, playability, and craftsmanship.
Whether it’s a simple setup or a complex structural repair, Fit’s approach is thoughtful, precise, and musician-friendly—making him a valued contributor to workshops and events focused on instrument care and maintenance.
Le Chéile
Le Chéile are a group of emerging young musicians ranging in age from eleven to sixteen. They have been brought together by Roisin McGrory, to celebrate the music of Seamus Grant. The ensemble will perform a selection of tunes from Seamus’s repertoire together with a few new tunes selected especially for performance at the Seamus Grant Weekend.
Caitríona Lagan
Caitríona Lagan is an award-winning traditional Irish musician from Castledawson, County Derry. Best known for her mastery of the Irish tenor banjo, she is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist, playing mandolin, octave mandola, fiddle, and guitar.
Shane Devlin
Shane Devlin, now living in Galway, grew up in Clonmany and has been immersed in music all his life. He is an accomplished banjo and mandolin player. Shane has also composed many tunes. He is very active in the Galway music scene and has worked on many collaborations and projects there.
Patsy Toland
Patsy Toland has performed banjo, mandolin, fiddle and tenor guitar in many genres of music from traditional to rock. He has performed in various collaborations and appeared at festivals across Europe with Sirreel. Now back living in Clonmany, Patsy devotes much of his time to the development of the Seamus Grant Weekend and website.
Valerie Harkin School of Irish Dancing
The Valerie Harkin School of Irish dancing is an Irish dancing school based in Illies Community Centre and The Sliabh Sneacht Centre, Drumfries. Irish Dancing classes for fun, fitness, Grading Examinations, Competitions. Suitable for Boys and Girls of all ages
Clonmany Genealogy &Hertigage Group
Clonmany Genealogy &Hertigage Group is an Inishowenbased voluntary group with an interest in family and local heritage.The group will present a special exhibition in the Market House, Clonmany, celebrating the rich tapestry of local history and community life. The exhibition will showcase photographs and artefacts that trace the heritage of the local area. Visitors will also enjoy a dedicated section on local music and entertainment, which have brought people together over the years in celebration of local talent. This engaging event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past while honouring the vibrant cultural spirit that continues to thrive in Clonmany today. They are also a very helpful resource in assisting anyone from near or far who are trying to trace their family tree/roots in the Inishowen area.
New England Fiddles (1984) - Film
New England Fiddles is a terrific film, and it will help share with the world a secret: New England has some of the finest traditional fiddling anywhere! Thanks for creating such a thoughtful, spirited film to explore the range, depth and energy of fiddling in New England. –Alan Jabbour
John Bishop and Nick Hawes take us past the solemn facade of clambakes and town meetings into a lively world of all night dances, kitchen suppers, and local musicians who could have helped Daniel Webster play down the Devil. With it’s quadrille like structure, this documentary whirls us from fiddler to fiddler in a rising climax of musical and cinematic excitement. –Alan Lomax
Like the best art, John Bishop’s films speak for themselves. New England Fiddles takes its place in a body of work that deals uncompromisingly with the roots of today’s popular music, and portrays with insight and affection both a genre and its creators. –Peter Guralnick
…a fascinating film about how people’s lives relate to the music they make. –Pete Seeger
New England Fiddles (1984) presents seven of the finest traditional musicians as they play in their homes and at dances and contests, passing their styles to younger fiddlers, and commenting on their music. Featured are Ron West (Yankee), Paddy Cronnin (Irish), Ben Guillemette(Quebecois), Wilfred Guillette (Quebecois), Harold Luce (Yankee), Gerry Robichaud (Maritime), and the Cape Breton style of Joe Cormier (National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts).