Sean Gavin
Tom Doorley
Matt Malloy
Although, at the moment Kevin Henry is in the CD player.
Please, don´t get me wrong.
Surprise can appear even in the solution of Mathematical problems with one right answer!
Of course I did´t mean that there was just one right answer to the question, absolutely not. It was just my feeling… 
Regards.
Two favorites:
Chris Norman
Frankie Kennedy
Others:
Catherine McEvoy
Mike Rafferty
Jack Coen
Harry Bradley
Deirdre Havlin
This is a very tough thread here; for me there are two players who have really influenced me more so than anyone else through out the years. These are:
Matt Molloy
Tom Doorley
But there are a multitude of other players who’s music I have enjoyed and learned from over the years such as:
Conal O’Grada
Michael McGoldrick
Kevin Crawford
Tom McElvogue
Harry Bradley
Catherine McEvoy
and many others.
I don’t really have any favorites. And while I admire and am a bit jealous of any number of players I have heard, whether known or not, there are none at all that I can claim to be inspired or influenced by. It is the music itself that inspires me. I play flute because I love the instrument and did so long before I discovered ITM. Frankly, I like my own playing best because I can play the tune exactly the way I want it to sound. My weakness is that I seldom get through a tune without making a mistake. I’m doing better these days because I play more.
When it comes to recordings, I prefer the ensemble as opposed to the soloist. I do love it when Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan go at it, though. Not what I personally aspire to, but when they are in the player, I tend to keep a jug of coolant nearby, just in case.
Matt Molloy
Calum Stewart
Kevin Crawford.
Ballygo
Paddy Carty
Gabe O’Sullivan
Micheal McGoldrick
Matt Molloy
Chris Norman (often presents flute pieces not commonly heard in the Irish trad circles).
Since I am new to Irish traditional music, I appreciate this “favorites” list, as it directs me to the music of the most widely respected artists.
Artist suggestions are always welcome.
Steph Geremia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5kprDDH9l8
Brian Duke
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY9wiiElazo
Kevin Crawford
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe__q4zIrAY
Steph is quite something! Can someone tell me the name of the last tune in the set?
The Fairy Reel.
Thank you. Gotta learn that. I’ve heard it before, so it’s probably a standard, but I never knew the name.
She’s a fantastic player. She also plays the last tune (The Fairy Dance) on her album. Lovely version of an old tune.
Just to add a few unmentioned names (I have many others, many have been mentioned already):
Desi Wilkinson
Frankie Gavin
Ciaran Somers
EDIT: Oh wait, Frankie Gavin was mentioned already. Then I’ll add:
Fintan Vallely
Or, more precisely, Largo’s Fairy Dance by Nathaniel Gow (best-known son of Niel).
How about adding to the list:
Shannon Heaton
Liam Kelly (Dervish)
Damien Stenson (Taeda)
My top 3 favourite flute players are
- Mike McGoldrick on flute
- Mike McGoldrick on low whistle
- Mike McGoldrick on uilleann pipes
If I could have a fourth it would be Mike McGoldrick on back-up vocals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEhW3-chHG4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6eOPJvhOXU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlE3nBiuh3U
Do you ever listen to anyone else? I think it limits your mind (or ears) to have only one favourite. There are so many amazing flute players that are really worth listening and studying.
Mike McGoldrick on mandolin - you forgot that one