Dartry Ceili Band are playing at the following events
15th Aug: Ballymote Festival, Co. Sligo (Concert)
18th Aug: All Ireland Fleadh, Cavan, Farnham Arms Hotel (Concert)
19th Aug: All Ireland Fleadh Cavan. Recital at Scoil Eigse (3.20PM)
4th Sep: The Clubhouse, Dromahair, Co. Leitrim. (concert(
11th Sep: Rathcormack, Co. Sligo (Ceili)
17th Sep: Féile Freaney Festival in Graiguenamanagh (Concert & Workshops)
24th Sep: Culture Night, The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo, (concert)
25th Sep: Dromore West, Co. Sligo (Concert)
31st Oct: John Egan festival, Ballintogher, Co. Sligo (concert)
http://www.dartryceiliband.com
The Dartry Ceili Band, from County Sligo, have just released their first recording ‘The Killavil Post’. In August 2009 they won the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. The Dartry Ceili Band made history as being only the second Ceili Band to bring the title West of the Shannon since 1953. The 11 members of the band hail from the counties of Sligo, Mayo and Roscommon.
Band members are: Fiddles: Philip Duffy, Declan Folan, John Kilkenny, Mossie Martin
Flutes: Noelle Carroll, June McCormack, Cian Kearins -Accordion: Seán Carroll - Concertina: Michael Rooney -Drums; Damien McGuinness - Piano: Kevin Brehony
Comprising of flutes, fiddles, concertina, accordion, piano and drums, the band plays with great energy and drive. In addition to the dance tunes, there are two songs on this recording, ‘The Piper’ by Cian Kearins and ‘Far Away in Australia’ by Noelle Carroll.
Matt Molloy, Flute player with the Chieftains wrote the following foreword for the CD: The Dartry Céilí Band formed in 2007 and hail from Co. Sligo. They have become in a very short time, a top ranking band, having won the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band competition in 2009 . Dedication, motivation and individually strong players has seen to this, coupled with that North Connacht, joyous fiery style, (I’m biased!). The counties of Monaghan, Mayo and Roscommon are also represented in the lineup. Listening to them play, it’s obvious they are very disciplined , whilst still retaining the character of the music. A band well worth the attention of anyone interested in traditional music and dance.Ceili bands have been an integral part of the traditional music scene over the years and long may it continue. “Stay with it!”
Matt Molloy
Details on band members
• Kevin Brehony – (Piano), is from Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo. A former All-Ireland Champion in his own right, he recorded with Siona in 1998.
• Noelle Carroll – (Flute), from Teesan, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo, also a vocalist.
• Sean Carroll – (Button Accordion), is from Teesan, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo
• Philip Duffy – (Fiddle), originally from Tubbercurry he now lives in Carney, Co. Sligo. Philip also has a solo album on general release called ‘Killin’ Clocks’.
• Declan Folan – (Fiddle), is from Bunninadden, Co. Sligo. He recorded a solo album ‘Skin and Bone’.
• Cian Kearins (Flute), comes from the Ballymote area, Co. Sligo. He has won senior all Ireland titles in Flute, Whistle and signing in recent years.
• John Kilkenny - (Fiddle), from Belcarra, Castlebar comes from a musical family.. He presents his own Traditional Irish Music programme on CRC F.M. in Castlebar.
• June McCormack – (Flute), from Ballintogher, Co. Sligo was recipient of the TG4 Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award in 1998 and has published two Irish flute tutorials in recent years. She has recorded 2 albums with her husband Michael Rooney
• Damien McGuinness – (Drums), from Dromore West, Co Sligo He was awarded first place in the 15-18 drumming competition in Tullamore in 2009.
• Mossie Martin – (Fiddle), is originally from Keadue, Co. Roscommon. He is a tutor with FETAC and currently teaches a PLC course in Traditional Irish music in Drumshanbo.
• Michael Rooney – (Concertina), is originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan. He plays harp, concertina and has composed a number of suites of music, including ‘The Battle of the Books’ in 2006. He has recorded many albums.