The second annual Boyne TradFest takes place in Drogheda over three days from 20th - 22nd September with a programme featuring the very best of traditional Irish music from over 35 artists across 22 events including instrumental workshops, traditional Irish music sessions, singing sessions, recitals and concert. 

The Official Launch takes place in the Tholsel on Friday 20th, from 5pm with guest speaker Mayor of Drogheda Cllr. Paddy McQuillan and musicians Patricia Clark on fiddle, Sarah Bourke on bodhrán, Séamus Ong on uilleann pipes, Rachael Dooley on harp and traditional singer Antaine Ó Faracháin. 

Following on from this, hosted in the Highlanes Gallery from 6:30pm, a traditional Irish music recital with Martha Guiney (flute) & Ruairí Cunnane (guitar), and traditional Irish music sessions into the evening. 

On Saturday 21st, instrumental workshops take place in St. Oliver’s Community School, suitable for learners of traditional Irish music across a range of instrumentsincluding flute, uilleann pipes, concertina, accordion, harp, tin whistle, banjo and fiddle, welcoming a host of master tutors to Drogheda to include Michael Rooney, June McCormack, John McEvoy, Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh, George McAdam, Martha Guiney, Jane Walls & Ciara Tighe, who was recently crowned this year’s Senior All- Ireland Champion on Melodeon at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann! 

Traditional Irish Music Performances take place in Scotch Hall Shopping Centre from 2pm on Saturday afternoon with Paddy Callahan (button accordion), Shane McCartan (guitar), Áine Murphy (fiddle) & Cara Walls (harp). 

‘Try-an-instrument’ workshops will  take place upstairs in Scotch Hall from 3pm in collaboration with Music Generation Louth, Drogheda Comhaltas & Na Piobairí Uilleann. This is a fantastic opportunity to try a new instrument to include the harp and uilleann pipes, among other instruments. Suited to adults and children aged 6 and over. 

Traditional Irish music sessions take place across Nelly’s, Clarke’s, Cagney’s, Hole in the Wall, McHugh’s and Sarsfields into the evening, with a highlight concert taking place in the Augustinian Church on Saturday 21st September from 8pm. 

The organisers are delighted to welcome Michael Rooney (harp) and June McCormack (flute) to Drogheda for what promises to be a spectacular evening of music in the St. Augustine’s Church.

Originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan and now a long-time resident of County Sligo, Michael Rooney, renowned composer and master of the Irish harp, has been honoured as TG4 ‘Composer of the Year’ in 2017 and has created numerous acclaimed suites, including his latest, "A Deep Ravine," reflecting on significant historical events of the Irish border. Michael has composed 19 suites of music in the past 20 years and recorded three CDs with flute player and wife June McCormack; ‘Tobar an Cheoil’, 'Draíocht' and 'Land's End'.

June McCormack is an award-winning flute player and TG4 Gradam ‘Young Musician of the Year’. June has published two flute tutorial books, Fliúit (2006) and Fliúit 2 (2009), and is a member of Sligo’s Dartry Ceili Band alongside Michael. Together they bring their profound expertise and passion for traditional Irish music to the stage, ensuring a night of musical brilliance from this extraordinary duo.

Joined on the evening by Music Generation Louth Harp Ensemble, Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh (concertina), MacDara Ó Raghallaigh (fiddle) & traditional singers An Chéad Ghlúin Eile.

From Co. Meath, brothers Mícheál & MacDara O’ Raghallaigh come from a family steeped in traditional Irish Music. Their home on the family farm was one filled with traditional music and song, and Irish was the everyday spoken tongue. Mícheál is one of the foremost concertina players of his generation. He has been a member of the band ‘Providence’ as well as the ‘Táin’ & ‘Naomh Pádraig’ Céilí Bands. He released two solo albums titled ‘The Nervous Man’ & ‘Inside Out’ and collaborated with concertina players Tim Collins, Pádraig Rynne, Caitlín Nic Gabhann and Edel Fox on the album ‘Zero’ in 2015.

MacDara Ó Raghallaigh is the youngest member of the family with his fiddle playing often described as ‘brilliant’, ‘amazing’, ‘top-class’. These accolades indeed fit well as MacDara has earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s outstanding fiddle players. His playing style is highly individual, personal and deeply rooted in the pure tradition. What is most striking is how his personality and flair for music come through with a driving rhythm and pulse that is delivered by a powerful fluid bow hand.

Featuring Ireland’s master performers, this incredible line-up of artists promises an exceptional evening of traditional Irish music. Tickets €18/€12 and are available on www.boynetradfest.ie.

On the final day of the festival, the streets of Drogheda will be alive with music from 1pm onwards with a busking competition taking place across West Street suitable to all genres and ages, followed by traditional Irish music sessions and singing sessions in Clarke’s Bar and McHugh’s.