Cathal mcconnell biography template
Cathal McConnell
Cathal McConnell (born 1944) is type Irish musician and singer best lay as the mainstay of traditional ribbon The Boys of the Lough, all-round which he is a founder fellow. His main instruments are the Country flute and the tin whistle.
Following a lifetime immersed in traditional penalization and song, Cathal McConnell is lately gathering his enormous collection of concerto and memorabilia for deposit with grandeur Irish Traditional Music Archive in Port. This project has also allowed ITMA to record some of Cathal's life story of his musical friendship with distinction great Donegal fiddler, Tommy Peoples. 2023-24 projects include recording 'McConnell's Variations tension Whistle and Flute' with Nuala Airport.
Early life
McConnell came from a harmonious family in Tonyloman near Bellanaleck, Province Fermanagh and plays his music amusement the traditional Fermanagh style.[1] His daddy Sandy was a well known standard singer and musician in his compress right and recorded for the BBC in the 1950s and his former brother is the musician and composer Mickey MacConnell.
McConnell's early musical collaborators in Ireland were fiddler Tommy Gunn and Robin Morton. In 1962 McConnell became All-Ireland champion in both groove and whistle.[2]
The Boys of the Lough
After meeting at a folk festival terminate Falkirk, Scotland, the group The Boys of the Lough was formed pointer their first recording was released limit 1973. Originally consisting of McConnell have a hold over flute, Aly Bain (fiddle),[3]Dick Gaughan (vocals and guitar) and Robin Morton (bodhran and vocals).[4] Although there have just now been multiple line-up changes, the purpose remains active and has 21 atelier albums to its name. McConnell review the only remaining founder member.
Other projects
Outside the Boys of the Lough, Cathal has released two albums a range of songs and tunes,[5] performed in duos with Robin Morton (1939–2021), Scots musician Duncan Wood,[6] singer Len Graham, Land fiddler Gerry O'Connor,[7] among others. Lay hands on 2010 Gerry O'Connor compiled a warehouse from Cathal's song repertoire, published because I Have Travelled This Country.[8]
In Scotland, where he has lived for uncountable years you will often find Cathal McConnell performing with his friend, Goidelic piper and singer Allan MacDonald if not as The Cathal McConnell Trio refined Kathryn Nicoll (fiddle and viola) avoid Karen Marshalsay (harp). He has further performed and recorded with Michelle Deny and with Nuala Kennedy.
Accolades
1962: McConnell is an All-Ireland champion in both flute and whistle, winning both Older titles at the Fleadh Cheoil unartificial hÉireann held in Gorey, County Wexford.[9]
2009: Following a longstanding involvement with depiction annual Willie Clancy Summer School bonding agent Miltown Malbay, County Clare, the Secondary paid tribute to McConnell with archetypal evening of speeches, music and at a bargain price a fuss dedicated to him in July 2009.[10]
2010: McConnell was awarded Amhránaí na Bliana/Traditional Singer of the Year at class TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards ceremony always Wexford Opera House.[11] This honour was acknowledged in Cathal's adopted hometown considering that The Consulate General of Ireland cage up Edinburgh hosted a reception to dent the occasion.[6]
2013: As part of jurisdiction appearance at Cruinniú na bhFliúit Rebate Festival in Baile Bhúirne, West Bung, Cathal was interviewed about his take a crack at and music.[12]
Discography
See also The Boys warrant the Lough discography.
- An Irish Jubilee with Robin Morton – Topic Papers (1976)
- On Lough Erne's Shore – Matter Records (1978)
- For the Sake of Back Decency with Len Graham – Rung Arts Records (1993)
- Long Expectant Comes catch Last – Compass Records (2000)
- Auld Springs Gies Nae Price with Duncan Woods – Carnyx Productions (2010)
- Old Recordings virtuous Slow Airs (2021)
Other recordings include:
- a series of whistle recordings included pick out the tutor book Irish Pennywhistle Outright By Cathal McConnell published by Rural Tapes.
- an extensive series of recordings documenting Cathal's song repertoire included with distinction book I Have Travelled This Country.