Banjo

Date: Saturday 1st February 2024.
Location: Newport National School.
Registration: 9.30am
Workshop: 10am

Aodhán Hughes

Aodhán Hughes from Carnacon County Mayo is 19 years old and has been playing the tenor banjo from the age of 8. He has had All Ireland Fleadh success at all ages, winning solo, duet and trio competitions throughout the years. Aodhán was also a member of the Pipers Cross Ceílí band when they became the first Mayo band to lift the coveted Kitty Lennan Cup and Dal gCais in Mullingar. The playing of banjo legends Noel Kilkenny and Theresa O'Grady hold huge influence over Aodhán's playing style, tunes and indeed teaching style. He is delighted to be back in Newport again for the John McFadden Festival 2025 after sadly giving it a miss in 2024 to sit his Leaving Cert mock exams.

Brian Scahill

Brian Scahill: One of Irelands finest Banjo players, Brian is the Banjo player with the Swallows Tail Céilí Band. Brian studied music in college and has taught at various summer schools around Ireland including the Willie Clancy Summer School.