To say that Mikie O Shea leads an interesting life would be somewhat of an understatement! Born and raised in Nadd on the sunny slopes of the Boggeragh Mountains, Mikie now resides in the land of the Rising Sun where he works in international education and as a gifted musician also promotes and highlights Irish traditional music in Japan and globally through his website. I emigrated from Ireland to pursue a career in international education in 2011, having spent three years teaching (and learning the ropes from my fabulous colleagues) at St. Brigid s National school in Blackwater, Co. Wexford, Mikie told The Corkman.
Cork s Greatest Records: Conal Ó Gráda and his influential 1990 album, The Top of Coom
The Ballincollig man drew heavily on Cúil Aodha influences for a record named after the highest pub in Ireland
Conal Ó Gráda recorded The Top of Coom over five days at Tadhg Kelleher’s Sulán Studios in Baile Mhúirne.
Wed, 03 Feb, 2021 - 20:00
Pet O’Connell
Irish traditional musicians take many winding roads to learning, but picking up tunes from a whistle-player who is steering a car with his elbows is a route less travelled now than it might have been in the 1970s.
Ultan O Brien (left) from Barefield with sean nós singer, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin,
Barefield musician weaves together rich musical traditions
January 24, 2021
TRADITIONAL Irish music is something that comes naturally to Barefield native Ultan O’Brien. Like many young musicians of his generation, he is steeped in the various styles and the wide repertoire of the Banner County. However, in recent years, the acclaimed viola and fiddle player has been delving into traditions further afield, including those of Scotland, Finland and The Isle of Man. He is also bringing a fresh creative perspective to traditional material in a collaboration with singer Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin. It is a partnership which deepens the connection between the fiddle and the voice – sometimes compared to musical cousins. The duo recently released a debut album