Elsa Kelly
Harp, Flute
Elsa’s musical journey began at the age of six, spanning from her early days on the flute to later moving on to the harp. She was influenced by notable musicians and bands such as Caitriona McKay, Michael McGoldrick, Solas, Danú and Téada. Elsa is a former prize winner on Harp & Flute at County, P…
Chris Maguire
Button Accordion
Chris Maguire is a talented button accordion player from Fermanagh, now based in Sligo. Over the years, he has earned numerous accolades, including Snr All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil Button accordion champion in Derry 2013 . All Ireland champion on Melodeon & trio competitions and a member of the winning…
Celine Shannon
Concertina
Celine Shannon hails from Ballinameen, Co. Roscommon, and was born into a very musical family immersed in Irish tradition. A multiple All-Ireland Fleadh champion, Celine has tutored at numerous summer schools and Comhaltas workshops in recent years, bringing a rich store of skill and passion for the…
Tom Gavin
Tin Whistle, Flute
Tom Gavin is an All-Ireland champion multi-instrumentalist and singer from Sligo town. Tom has toured Ireland and the UK with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann as part of the Echos of Ireland tour, been a member of the National Folk Orchestra of Ireland and been part of numerous prize-winning groups an…
Joanna Sweeney
Tin Whistle, Fiddle
Joanna Sweeney is an Irish traditional musician, performing artist & academic with a Master of Arts in Irish traditional music performance awarded from the Irish World Academy of Music & Dance, University of Limerick focusing on regional styles of Irish traditional music particularly the North Conna…
Kate Gavin
Fiddle, Tin Whistle
Kate Gavin is a traditional Irish fiddle and harp player, and singer, from Sligo town. She is an all-Ireland champion musician and a member of the Glór na dTonn Céilí Band, all-Ireland senior céilí band champions, 2025. She has performed in numerous solo and group arrangements at significant events…
Máire Nic Dhiarmada
Flute, Cuimsiú
Máire Nic Dhiarmada is a traditional flute player from County Sligo with a strong passion for both music and education. She works as a primary school teacher in a Special School in County Roscommon, where she supports children with additional needs. She is also a member of the All Ireland winning In…
Michael Hurley
Adult Class
Our adult class tutor this year is flute and whistle player Michael Hurley, who was born in Leeds into a musical family, with parents from Galway and Mayo. He has lived in Ballymote, Co. Sligo for over 30 years. He has taught traditional music for 25 years, teaching in schools and CCÉ branches all o…
Oisín Mac Diarmada
Fiddle
Known for a highly personal approach to the fiddle, Oisín began a deep interest in the fiddle at a young age in Clare. Moving to Sligo at age 11, he went on to develop a fascination with the music of the Sligo fiddle masters. Studying Music Education at Trinity College Dublin / Royal Irish Academ…