Michael Rooney Concertina player launches new CD with Dartry Ceili Ban

[draiochtmusic]

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.

 

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.

 

Further details can be found at: www.dartryceiliband.com

 

Upcoming CD launches

The Dartry Ceili Band are launching their CD on Thur 22nd July, at the grand concert at the Joe Mooney Summer School in Drumshambo, followed by a Saturday night launch in The Roisín Dubh, Gurteen, on Saturday 24th July. They are performing during Scoil Eigse week at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2010 in Cavan, at the Thursday night Ceili.

 

 

 

Band members are: Fiddles: Philip Duffy, Declan Folan, John Kilkenny

Flutes: Noelle Carroll, June McCormack, Cian Kearins

Accordion: Seán Carroll; Concertina: Michael Rooney;

Drums; Damien McGuinness; Piano: Kevin Brehony

 

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

 

Clips of the band can be watched on these YouTube links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1ApBaN8Fzc and also on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXJx9Xj2e58&feature=channel\

 

 

Kevin Brehony – (Piano), is from Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo. A former All-Ireland Champion in his own right, he features regularly at sessions throughout the northwest region and beyond. Kevin is frequently called upon to play with bands for set dancing at home and abroad and has featured on many CD recordings.

 

Noelle Carroll – (Flute), from Teesan, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo has just completed physiotherapy in UCD. Noelle has been involved in teaching the younger members at the Fred Finn CCE branch over the past 5 years and is also a member of the Fred Finn Senior Grupai Ceoil who received 1st place at this year’s All-Ireland Fleadh in Tullamore.

 

Sean Carroll – (Button Accordion), is from Teesan, Drumcliffe, Co. Sligo and is older brother of band member Noelle Carroll. He was taught to play accordion by his father Michael, originally from Co. Leitrim who played with the well known Leitrim Ceili Group. Sean played for a time with Sligo Senior Gaelic footballers in the 90's.

 

Philip Duffy – (Fiddle), originally from Tubbercurry he now lives in Carney, Co. Sligo. He is the founder member of the band and is a former All-Ireland winner. Philip also has a solo album on general release called ‘Killin’ Clocks’.

 

Declan Folan – (Fiddle), is from Bunninadden, Co. Sligo. He has recently returned to South Sligo having spent 8 years playing in the Canary Islands. Declan, also a former All-Ireland winner can now be seen playing regularly in sessions in Tubbercurry, Gurteen and Ballymote.

 

Cian Kearins (Flute), comes from the Ballymote area, Co. Sligo. He is a school teacher by profession and 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 has been involved in playing, competing, teaching and promoting Irish traditional music at all levels. 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 teaches in Scoil Naomh Bhride, Carns, Moneygold, Co. Sligo

 

Damien McGuinness – (Drums), from Dromore West, Co Sligo is 17 years old and the youngest member of the band. He also plays button accordion, bodran and melodeon. Damien is Youth Officer of Tireragh branch of Comhaltas and teaches Ceili drumming in his local area. 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 learned his music from Longford fiddler, Seamus Thompson. Mossie has played extensively abroad in recent years in Australia, France and Spain. 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 teaches in Coola Vocational School, Co. Sligo. Michael is Musical Director of the band.