July 29, 2022
Legacies, Major Scéal

Ómós: Mick Moloney

The world of traditional music was shocked at the sudden death of one of its most devoted exponents, Mick Moloney, who, as performer, researcher and promoter, has inspired audiences,...

December 12, 2020
Key News, Major Scéal

Charting a better future for traditional arts

A comprehensive research report on the challenges, opportunities and supports currently available to traditional arts practitioners in Ireland raises a number of crucial issues about the current state of...

November 16, 2020
Major Scéal

Rita Gallagher: The Linnet beyond the Bluestacks

Though widely acclaimed as one of Ireland’s leading traditional singers, Rita Gallagher has never been tempted to make a full-time career out of her undoubted gift. The reason is...

August 6, 2020
Major Scéal

Daoirí’s journey: from glass cages to international stages

Daoirí Farrell reflects on his career from his earliest encounters with folk and traditional music right through to his award-winning albums and burgeoning reputation as a live performer.

July 27, 2020
Major Scéal

#MiseFosta shines light on dark side of traditional music

In recent weeks a series of posts have appeared on social media platforms under the hashtag #misefosta (#metoo) calling out various forms of sexual abuse – including assault –...

January 1, 2020
Major Scéal

Concerted efforts – A year in the life of Niall Vallely

n just over a year Niall has produced four significant musical works – 78 Revolutions, Concerto for Concertina and Orchestra, Sounds Like Freedom and Macha – wiyh each project...

October 1, 2019
Major Scéal

Living the dream at the ITMA: Liam O’Connor

The appointment of Liam O’Connor as the new Director of the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) has met with universal approval in the traditional music ‘community.’

July 1, 2019
Major Scéal

The Percussive Subversive: Nic Gareiss

Traditional music and dance is integral to Nic Gareiss’ life. “It is a mode of being in the world,” he says. Because the culture is so crucial to him,...

July 1, 2019
Major Scéal

Dónal Lunny: Producing the goods

Though the subject of our conversation was supposed to be his two most recent projects, it quickly developed into a wide-ranging engagement coloured by experiences and observations drawn from...

March 31, 2019
Major Scéal

Séamus Ennis: The godfather of traditional music

This year marks the centenary of the birth of Séamus Ennis, consummate uilleann piper, and prodigious collector of music, songs and folklore.

February 28, 2019
Major Scéal

Minority report: confronting gender inequality

Shut up and play! Do elements of traditional/folk music discourage diversity?

December 1, 2018
Major Scéal

On a musical mission with Rhiannon

From the Piedmont to Knockcroghery

November 26, 2018
Major Scéal

Garech remembered

Piper Ronan Browne reflects on the late head of Claddagh Records FRIENDSHIP: Portrait of Garech de Brun painted by his best man, Anthony Palliser, on exhibition in the Farmleigh...

September 1, 2018
Major Scéal

For the record

One of the most significant figures in modern music, Alan Lomax, was born in Austin, Texas, just over one hundred years ago.

August 2, 2018
Major Scéal

FairPlé: sounding out for gender justice

FairPlé campaign highlights issues of gender in folk and traditional music