Tim McHugh 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.
Geraldine McNamara 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.
