MARY MACNAMARA - CONCERTINA

Music was a way of life when Mary was growing up in East Clare. Born in the townland of Clondanagh between Tulla and Feakle, she was from an early age in the company of the great masters of Irish Traditional Music of the region such as John Naughton, Martin Rochford, P. Joe Hayes, Francie Donnellan, Joe Bane and Bill Malley. And there was plenty of musical guidance and inheritance from her parents who were both from musical families. Mary learned much from her mother Ita whose discernment in music was unquestionable, with a musical pedigree reaching back many generations.

Mary’s musical style was further honed and perfected as a young girl sitting by the fireside in the homes of Mikey Donoghue in Ballinahinch and P. Joe Hayes of Maghera and then Sunday afternoon sessions with Joe Bane and Bill Malley in Lena's Bar in Feakle. This unique musical nurturing has resulted in Mary being a highly respected musician performing at home and abroad and also one of the most sought after teachers of Irish Music today.

SORCHA COSTELLO - FIDDLE

Fiddle player Sorcha Costello from Tulla, Co. Clare is the daughter of Mary MacNamara and hails from a family emerged in traditional Irish music. Sorcha is in great demand as a teacher of music in east Clare because of her ability to transmit her unique style which has the trademark rhythm and swing qualities of generations of her family. She focuses on getting the musicians to bring these out by playing from the heart. (bio via Kilkenny TradFest)