Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy - Episode Guide

In episode one on November 20th, we meet the Ó Gealbháin family from An Rinn, Waterford who are preparing for a week of music and learning at the workshops, Jack Talty who is teaching concertina classes daily, and previous TG4 Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana Sorcha Costello who joins her friends Daithí Gormley, Catherine McHugh, and Elaine Reilly for a few tunes at the back of the ‘Blondes' pub. 

In episode 2 on November 27th, we meet Sorcha Ó Scolaí and her family from Dublin, who are enjoying a week of music and learning at the workshops, The Friel Sisters from Glasgow who never miss the summer school, and legendary fiddle player James Kelly who flies over from Florida annually for the week.

In episode three on 4th December, we meet Seán McKiernan who chats to Pádraic Keane about his friendship with Willie Clancy, Joanne O'Connor and her family who never miss the summer school, and we hear music from Donal Murphy, Stephen Hayden, and many more.

In episode four, we meet Liam O'Connor and Iarlaith Ó Domhnaill from the Irish Traditional Music Archive, Brid O'Donoghue and her son Liam O'Brien as well as other members of their musical family who are actually from Miltown Malbay themselves, and US piper Michael Stribling who has traveled specially for the summer school. 

In episode one on November 26th, we meet TG4 young musician of the year Méabh Smyth and her sister Aoife, Clare concertina player Aidan Quigney, a rare flute performance from Michael Flatley & Matt Molloy, and legendary whistle player Mary Bergin who was honoured for her lifelong contribution to the tradition at the 2023 summer school.

In episode two on December 3rd, we meet local concertina player Caoilfhionn Ní Fhrighil and hear from members of the Tulla Ceilí Band who later perform at a packed-out céilí. This episode also features music from Aoife Ní Bhriain and Caoimhín Ó Fearghail and Scottish musicians Brighde Chaimbeul & Fin Moore.

In episode three on the 10th December, we meet Julie Langan and her family who join other friends for a few tunes in their mobile home in Spanish Point. US harmonica and concertina player Rick Epping joins his great friend Cathy Jordan for some songs and tunes and James Keane, Mick O'Connor and John Kelly remember their dear brother and friend Séan Keane.

In episode 4 on the 17th December, we meet the Browne family of musicians and sean nós dancers from nearby village Cree, Co. Clare and Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha who is busy presenting her daily radio show on Raidió na Gaeltachta. We also meet local uilleann pipe maker Derrick Gleeson and members of the Begley family who remember their father and uncle, Séamus Begley.

In episode one on November 24th, we meet Noel Hill, who has been leading the concertina classes at the summer school for over 30 years. Noel will also feature alongside his friend & fiddle player Liam O'Connor. US fiddle player Andrew Caden joins his friends Conor McDonagh & Jack Fitzpatrick for some lively tunes. We will also hear from musicians Eimear Howley, Maggie Maguire & Fionn O'Hanlon.

In episode two on December 1st, we meet Mary Corcoran, Aoife O'Connor & Majella O'Beirne who perform both on and off the golf course in Spanish Point. We will also see flute teacher Marcus Ó Murchú perform for his class before joining his wife Caitríona & daughter Róise for a song in Mullagh. In this episode there is also music from Neill Byrne, Tomás Ó Gealbháin, Seán Ó Fearghail & Joan Hanrahan. 

In episode three on the 8th December, we meet Derry fiddler Liz Doherty who joins her old friends ‘Fiddlesticks' for an energetic performance. We will also hear from Tom Morrow, Tríona Flavin & their daughters Éabha & Caoilfhionn Morrow. Niamh Parsons sings in the back garden of one of her old haunts – Marrinan's Bar. This episode also features music and song from Sorcha Hennessy, Róise & Hazel O'Reilly, Edel Vaughan & Micheál Marrinan.

In episode 4 on the 15th December, we meet flute & accordion player Nicholas Williams & his family from Quebec who are attending the summer school for the first time. Fiddle teacher Leah Kelly introduces us to her family and we hear from the three generations throughout the episode. There is some beautiful singing from Brían Ó hÁirt from St. Louis, USA & Cait Ní Riain from Tipperary who performs in the peaceful surrounds of the local Eco Campsite. This episode also features music from Noel & Áine O'Donoghue & Seanie Vaughan, as well as Johnny Óg Connolly, Clíodhna Costello & Pádraig Ó Dubhghaill