Flute

Date: Saturday 3rd February 2024.
Location: Newport National School.
Registration: 9.30am
Workshop: 10am

Iarlaith Mac Gabhann

From Churchtown in Dublin, Iarlaith began learning the flute at age 10 and attended classes under various teachers at workshops and festivals around the country. Iarlaith has a strong connection with Newport through his mother, Teresa Hoban, who was born and reared on George's Street.

At age 15 he began attending lessons with Belfast flute player Harry Bradley, who was a pivotal figure in his development as a musician. Iarlaith’s music is strongly influenced by the playing of flute players such as Eddie Maloney, Jack Dolan, Tom Morrison, Peter Horan, Seamus Tansey and Roger Sherlock to name but a few. Iarlaith has performed regularly at festivals including Cruinniú na Bhfliúit (The Flute meeting) Showcase in 2019 and has taught at a range of festivals such as The Festival Interceltique de Lorient. Iarlaith is also a member of the band Nuadán, who in 2020 released their album “Dén Díobháil” to great acclaim. Iarlaith has also toured extensively, most recently with Galway accordion player Conor Connolly. Iarlaith has previously completed a BSc in Genetics at University College Dublin and in 2021 graduated from University College Cork with a MSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. Iarlaith is also currently employed as Audio Digitisation Assistant at the Irish Traditional Music Archive.

Geraldine McNamara

Geraldine is a highly acclaimed flute player from County Clare who is no stranger to the area having resided and taught in Mayo for many years. Geraldine is an exceptional music teacher and we are delighted to have her in Newport for the weekend.

Tim McHugh

Tim is a flute player from Newport in Co. Mayo. Traditional Irish music, song and dance have been part of his family on both sides going back for generations. He started learning traditional music around the age of 9 and in his late teens, he began playing locally in sessions and learning music from local Mayo musicians. While studying and working as an Engineer in Galway and Dublin he played regularly at sessions, picking up music from musicians from throughout the country. He has learned most of his music informally from family and friends. He is greatly influenced by the fiddle and flute music of East Mayo and South Sligo. He has performed and taught throughout Ireland, Europe, USA and even managed a trip to Africa! In 2012 he was awarded the Bonn Óir Sheáin Uí Riada for flute playing by Raidió na Gaeltachta as part of its Cuireadh Chun Ceoil series.