Meath Beo Unveils Wonderful Traditional Music Showcase
Posted on 21st September 2023
Meath Beo is presenting a Traditional Music performance by artists in the Ballroom at Slane Castle on the night of the 8th of October. Meath Beo are supported by Meath County Council Arts Office and The Arts Council Ireland and their aim is to boost the recognition of Meath’s traditional artists by highlighting their music and expanding their audience across the country. Here at the Castle, we are eagerly anticipating the performance and the opportunity to listen to Jennifer, Fergus and Ruairí in the Ballroom, which is renowned for its exceptional acoustics.
Jennifer Leahy, Harpist
Jennifer Leahy is a harpist from Kells, County Meath. She began learning the harp at the age of six with Dearbhail Finnegan and has since gone on to study with Gráinne Hambly at Maynooth University. Jennifer has performed across Ireland and the UK, in prestigious locations including the National Concert Hall and Dublin Castle. She has performed in concert with members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as often performing for many dignitaries including the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins. Jennifer has been very successful in her harping career and has been the winner of many national competitions including the ESB Feis Ceoil. Jennifer was also the recipient of a high achievers award from the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Jennifer teaches harp to adults and students and teaches a wide genre of music including classical, traditional, and pop. She is also the harp teacher for the Athboy branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
Fergus McGorman, Flautist
Flautist Fergus McGorman is from Ratoath, County Meath, and was born into a great musical family. Fergus began learning the flute at the age of ten and has gone on to win numerous all-Ireland solo titles at fleadh competitions. He is a tutor at many music festivals in Ireland and abroad. Fergus has listened extensively to traditional music all his life and is forging a reputation as one of the foremost players of his generation. The playing of Séamus Tansey, Matt Molloy and the tin whistle player Jim Donoghue has influenced Fergus’s playing style greatly. Fergus released his debut solo flute album in 2017 which was received positively and showcased Fergus’s strong individual style.
Ruairí McGorman, Greek bouzouki and fiddle player
Ruairí McGorman is an established Greek bouzouki and fiddle player from Ratoath in County Meath. Growing up in a musical family with his brother, Fergus, Ruairí was also exposed to traditional music from a very young age. Ruairí’s parents, Catherine McEvoy and Tom McGorman, are flute players with Roscommon roots who are well known in the world of trad music. After obtaining a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University, Ruairí moved to Australia where he taught traditional music for ‘The Gaelic Club’ in Sydney and performed at various festivals including The National Folk Festival in Canberra and Ceol Aneas in Nelson, New Zealand. Upon moving back to Ireland, he became a Primary School Teacher and currently works with children with special educational needs. Ruairí is also in demand as an accompanist and can be heard on a number of recordings with various artists.
Meath Beo is excited to host these exceptional artists at our Castle as they bring their rich musical heritage and international experience to the event. Together, all the artists promise an unforgettable performance in the majestic setting of the Castle.
Click here to visit Meath Beo webpage for tickets. Tickets cost €20 and children go free when accompanied by a paying adult.
