Hearty and spirited music at Kiltyclogher Traditional Concert

All roads will be leading to Kiltyclogher on Saturday, May 13, for Kiltyclogher Traditional Concert featuring past and present members of the Dog Band, Cathal Hayden, Donal Murphy and Brian McGrath.

This trio have played solo and the members have played with such artists as Martin O’Connor, Matt Cranitch, Niall Murphy, Mick Galvin Noel Hill, Paul Brock, Sean Keane and Frankie Gavin, and are still playing with some of the best traditional bands on the circuit including Four Men and a Dog, Sliabh Notes, De Dannan.

They have made several TV appearances in their own right and have been packing the auditoriums and theatres all over the world with their hearty and spirited traditional music.

Cathal Hayden hails from Pomeroy in Co. Tyrone, Cathal’s eponymously titled solo album, released in 1999 is, according to Irish Music Magazine, ‘spiced by generous touches of blues from Hayden and (guest musician and honorary ‘Dog’) McGlynn, taking just enough from their folk-funk experiences to turn an outstanding traditional fiddle album into a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, knee-wobbling tour de force’. Cathal is also a member of the Mairtin O’Connor band and has released two hugely successful albums.

Dónal Murphy is from Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick and was one of the five founder members of the original Dogs, as glorious photos of the bare faced teenager will attest!

He is also a member of new 3 piece “Breaking Trad” with Niall Murphy (fiddle) & Mike Galvin (guitar/vocals) and released the same titled debut album in May 2015.

Donal released the long awaited Solo album “Happy Hour” in 2009. Dónal also released a second solo album in May 2022 entitled “Tailored”.

Donal’s accordion plays a pivotal role in the unique sound that is Four men and a Dog!

Brian McGrath is from Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh, an area steeped in traditional music. Brian’s first professional work was with Dervish. He then joined Four Men And A Dog and played on the award-winning album Barking Mad.

He moved his career on, accompanying Noel Hill, Paul Brock and Frankie Gavin, among others, before joining the Sean Keane Band as pianist. Brian joined De Dannan where he stayed till the band broke up in 2003.

Brian now plays with At The Racket, and is much sought after as a session musician on piano, banjo and mandolin.

He has toured extensively, playing with all the biggest names in Irish traditional music, including Frankie Gavin, Noel Hill, John Carty, Matt Molloy, Paul Brock, Charlie Lennon, Joe Burke, Sean Maguire, Brian Rooney, Cathal Hayden, Joe Derrane, Arty McGlynn, Alec Finn, Alan Kelly, Dolores Keane, Maura O’Connell, Tommy Fleming, Steve Cooney and Eleanor Shanley, as well as doing extensive TV and media work.

Tickets and bookings at 071 9854368 and 083 1553183 or text 085 1605327. Tickets are also available at Kiltyclogher Post Office and on Eventbrite.

Doors open at 8.00pm. Early booking is advised.