Bringing you the finest performers
from around the world
Concerts are held in the spring and fall at the Gaelic-American Club, 74 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT. They are open to the public and doors open half hour before the show. We now offer advance online ticket purchases for $22.00, or $25.00 cash at the door. Fairfield U and SHU students: $10 (with ID). Children under 10 years: free.
Our Spring 2026 Concert Series
Saturday, March 7, 7:30 pm | Mary Courtney, Patrick Madden, Jack Ryan | Buy Tickets
Mary Courtney (guitar, vocals) grew up in a musical family in the parish of Castlegregory, near the sea in Dingle, County Kerry — a rich musical lineage that served as the foundation for her development into a distinguished vocalist and instrumentalist.
Whether performing as a solo artist or anchoring the rhythm section for her acclaimed traditional ensemble, Morning Star, Courtney is recognized as a consummate professional. Her work is characterized by a sophisticated command of the guitar and a vocal style that remains deeply rooted in the Irish tradition while maintaining a broad, contemporary appeal.
Patrick Madden (fiddle) is a first-generation Irish-American, born and raised in Queens, New York. As a dancer, he was introduced to traditional Irish music and went on to learn the fiddle under the tutelage of the great Maureen Glynn. He has been playing with Mary Courtney and Morningstar for over a decade.
Jack Ryan (whistle) was born in the Bronx and began playing the whistle at age eight. He initially learned from his father, who taught himself the instrument to pass it along to his children. Jack went on to study Irish music under Dawn Doherty, who was born in Co. Mayo and runs the Dawn Doherty Academy of Irish Music, based in Yonkers. Jack has represented the USA times at the Fleadh Cheoil in Ireland.
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Mary Courtney grew up in a musical family in the parish of Castlegregory, near the sea in County Kerry, a likely beginning for this remarkable singer and guitarist. Whether accompanying herself, or holding the rhythm line with her trad band, Morning Star, she is a consummate musician. Her music is an engaging collaboration of traditional Irish music and a progressive social conscience born of a political education in the United States. Her bodhrán (Irish hand-held drum) playing offers another dimension to her exceptional performance. Courtney has used her music to spread Irish culture and to educate her audience about the struggles of the Irish people. From rock ‘n’ roll to the ethereal strains of some ancient Celtic bard, Mary can sing anything, and sing it unforgettably.
Reviews: What a singer she is! Her powerful vocals are direct, allowing the beauty of the melodies and the emotion of the lyrics to come through; however her voice is also distinctive, making her stand out both from a sincerity point of view as well as a technical one. Frankly, she has a voice that is difficult to ignore. . . I’d almost forgotten what a dynamic instrument banjo is. Ryan brings that special melodic drive I’ve not heard for quite a while, as he pushes the tunes along with gusto, enthusiasm, and a lot of talent. As you listen, it’s no wonder Redmond has 4 All-Ireland titles under his belt. All this is built on Courtney’s excellent guitar accompaniment . . . Sometimes, I’m amazed at how a small group such as this can have such a ‘big’ sound, one that is so involving and welcoming. Mary Courtney and Morning Star has risen to the top of my list of must-see musicians. When you listen to Live from the 33rd County you’ll understand why. Jamie O’Brien — Putting on Airs, Irish Edition
Mary also was part of the cast and music composer of the John Kearns play BOANNE and the Well of Wisdom was awarded best play at the 2024 NYC Origin Theatre Festival. The cast had a very successful mini tour of Ireland in 2024 as well as being Artists in Residence at the renowned St. John’s Theatre for Arts in Listowel Co. Kerry.
Patrick Madden is a first-generation Irish-American, born and raised in Queens, NY. His parents were from County Meath and County Tipperary. He was introduced to traditional irish music from dancing and went on to learn the fiddle from his first traditional music teacher, Maureen Glynn. In his youth he competed in the Fleadh Cheoil in solo, duets, and with the Joe Cooley Ceili band. He won both in his solo and band competitions qualifying for the Irish Fleadh Cheoil and winning with the band in Ireland. The Joe Cooley Ceili band recorded an album upon our return to the U.S.A and played several festivals and concerts. He has been playing with Mary Courtney and Morningstar for over a decade.
Jack Ryan was born in the Bronx and began playing the whistle at age eight. He initially learned from his father, who taught himself the instrument to pass it along to his children. Jack went on to study Irish music under Dawn Doherty, who was born in Co. Mayo and runs the Dawn Doherty Academy of Irish Music, based in Yonkers. Jack has competed multiple times at the Fleadh Cheoil in Ireland. He has performed in pubs and venues throughout New York City, Ireland and Nashville. He also plays the flute and is a member of the Manhattan University Pipes and Drums band.
Saturday, April 18, 7:30 pm | Seán Gavin and Caoimhín Ó Fearghail Buy Tickets
Seán Gavin is one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation. Master uilleann piper and flute player, he is the first and only musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal. His latest recording, The Boys of 25, with accordion maestro Colm Gannon “is a superb bit of pure drop music that stands tall on the strength of Gavin’s and Gannon’s musicianship. Caoimhín Ó Fearghail (Kwee-veen) comes from An Rinn in the Waterford Gaeltacht. He received the TG4 Young Musician of the Year award and was chosen as Best Folk Instrumentalist at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards. His music is greatly influenced by that region as well as diverse players throughout Ireland. With a start on the tin whistle at the age of eight, he has since mastered uilleann pipes, flute, guitar, and bouzouki, as well as being an accomplished singer.
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Seán Gavin is one of the most highly regarded Irish musicians of his generation. Master uilleann piper and flute player, he is the first and only musician born outside Ireland to win the prestigious Seán Ó RiadaGold Medal. His latest recording, The Boys of 25, with accordion maestro Colm Gannon “is a superb bit of pure drop music that stands tall on strength of Gavin and Gannon’s musicianship. There are no frills here, just straight traditional music played with extreme class. “ – Daniel Neely/ Irish Echo
He has toured with the groups Bua and Téada, both have gleaned top praise from Irish music critics. Seán was Musical Director for the PBS program “I Am Ireland", and for the long running Atlantic Steps. He has lectured on traditional music at the University of Chicago, St. Andrew's in Scotland, and many other locations. Seán is now back in his native Detroit where he continues to play, teach, and promote traditional Irish music. His latest project is the Irish Music Institute, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that encourages people of all ages to explore the ancestral music and song of Ireland. IMI connects a broad network of players, learners, and enthusiasts worldwide.
https://irishmusicinstitute.org
Video: https://www.seangavinmusic.com/music
Caoimhín Ó Fearghail (Kwee-veen) comes from An Rinn in the Waterford Gaeltacht. He received the TG4 Young Musician of the Year award and was chosen as Best Folk Instrumentalist at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards. His music is greatly influenced by that region as well as diverse players throughout Ireland. With a start on the tin-whistle at the age of eight, he has since mastered uilleann pipes, flute, guitar, and bouzouki, as well as being an accomplished singer. A frequent teacher and performer, Caoimhín has taught pipes and performed at many piping events, including Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, the William Kennedy Piping Festival in Armagh, and the Northeast Tionól in the US. He has many albums to his credit, and has toured worldwide with Caladh Nua, Danú, and others.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/live/u53K8AL9u5E?si=HvMoLpyIG1TaQAVW
May 16, 2026, 3:00 pm | Free Workshop | Sponsored by the Gerry Herman Memorial Fund
(Details TBD)
Saturday, June 13, 7:30 pm | Cathal Hayden, Dónal Murphy, Alan Murray | Buy Tickets
Cathal Hayden was born into a deep musical background in the village of the Rock, Co. Tyrone outside Pomeroy. His father played the banjo and fiddle, and his mother was a pianist, while both grandfathers were fiddle players. As a child, Cathal’s only ambition was to be a professional traditional musician and to make a career out of his dream. His musical talent is famous, not only in his home village but throughout Ireland and the entire world. Dónal Murphy hails from Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick and is a well-known button accordionist. He was one of the five founding members of the original group Four Men And A Dog and is a member of the legendary groups Breaking Trad and Sliabh Notes. Guitarist, bouzouki player, and singer Alan Murray hails from Glasgow, Scotland, where he grew up playing the whistle and later guitar and bouzouki. Eventually moving to the United States, he has established himself as one of the most sought-after accompanists and teacher on the traditional music scene.
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Cathal and Dónal were founding members of the infamous Trad Band “Four Men and a Dog” whose first major gig was at the Belfast Folk Festival in 1990. Their debut album “Barking Mad” was released the following year and became Folk Roots Album of the year marking the first time that an Irish group had ever won the prize. Four Men and A Dog made a name for themselves with their eclectic and vivacious blend of traditional Irish music with a wide spectrum of other genres, including rap, Southern rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, polka, country swing, and even salsa. The band’s music is enthusiastic and infectious.
Cathal Hayden was born into a deep musical background in the village of the Rock, Co Tyrone outside Pomeroy. His father played the banjo and fiddle, and his mother was a pianist, while both grandfathers were fiddle players. His first instrument was a tenor banjo before progressing on to fiddle.
From when he first picked up an instrument, Cathal Hayden’s only ambition was to be a professional traditional musician, and to make a career out of his dream. After over 40 years of playing, he has certainly accomplished his desire. His musical talent is famous, not only in his home village, but throughout Ireland and the entire world.
Dónal Murphy hails from Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick and is a well known button accordion performer. Donal was one of the five founder members of the original Four Men and a Dog in 1990 at the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo and played their first gig at the Belfast Folk Festival later that year. The Dogs celebrated 30 years on the road in 2020 and performed a major concert with the 70-piece Imbolc Trad Orchestra at the iconic Guildhall in Derry.
Alan Murray is a celebrated guitarist, bouzouki player, and singer from Glasgow, Scotland, known for his powerful accompaniment style and deep roots in traditional Celtic music.
Alan began his musical journey on the whistle before transitioning to guitar and bouzouki, quickly becoming immersed in Scotland’s rich folk traditions. After relocating to the United States, he established himself as one of the most sought-after accompanists and educators in the traditional music world.
With a dynamic blend of rhythm, harmony, and sensitivity to melody, Alan has toured and recorded extensively across the globe. His impressive list of collaborators includes iconic artists and groups such as Solas, Lúnasa, Eileen Ivers, Battlefield Band, We Banjo 3, and FourWinds, among many others. His ability to enhance and support traditional tunes with depth and creativity has earned him widespread respect on stages and in studios worldwide.
In addition to performance, Alan is a passionate educator, sharing his knowledge of traditional accompaniment and vocal interpretation with students of all levels.
The Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society and Gaelic-American Club take pride in bringing renowned musicians from across the United States, Ireland, and around the world to perform for audiences in our area. Your donation supports traditional Irish music and our ongoing concert series.
