Official launch of Féile Thomas ‘Blind’ Kiernan by Fr John Quinn, followed by a performance from John Daly and Conor Connolly.

John Daly

Originally from Burnfort, County Cork, John Daly began learning the fiddle at the age of twelve from Limerick music teacher Sean O’Carroll. He was later introduced to Kerry fiddle player Johnny Cronin by his father and developed a strong interest in the playing of Andy McGann of New York and Longford fiddle player Paddy Reynolds.

John was also greatly influenced by Shetland fiddle master Willie Hunter, whose playing became a particularly strong influence on John's approach to Scottish and Shetland slow airs.

John has performed in concerts and conducted workshops in Iceland, Scotland, the Shetland Islands, the UK, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. He also lived in Chicago for several years, where he made his first solo recording. He now lives in Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim.

Conor Connolly

Conor Connolly is a button accordion and piano player and singer from Clarinbridge, County Galway. He began playing the tin whistle at the age of eight before taking up the accordion at twelve, learning from Mary Murray in Athenry and at the Anne Conroy Burke and Joe Burke School of Music in Kilnadeema, near Loughrea.

In his late teens, Conor discovered the music of Joe Cooley, along with the playing of Tony MacMahon, Fiachna Ó Mongáin and Eoin O’Neill. These influences inspired him to move from the conventional B/C style of accordion playing to the C#/D system.

In 2019, Conor was awarded TG4 Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana (Young Musician of the Year). He has since taught workshops and performed internationally, including performances with fellow TG4 Young Musician of the Year recipient Sorcha Costello and guitarist Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill.

Description supplied by the event organiser.