Drogheda Traditional Music Weekend is celebrating over 27 years this year from Friday 24 November until Sunday 26 November. It will encompass events throughout Drogheda including; venues, cafes, restaurants and bars, featuring some of Ireland’s most esteemed traditional singers and musicians as well as a collection of our best local talent.

This concert is in honour of Caitlin Bean ui Cairbre who was instrumental in promoting the traditional music culture in Drogheda. Featuring Sundays Gate Quartet, Edel Fox and Niall Byrne

Sundays Gate Quartet comprises the Branigan Brothers Patrick and Kevin, Declan Hoey, Fiach McHugh and Michael Rafferty. They have been singing Traditional, Folk and Spiritual songs in close harmony for the past twenty years and are well known locally and nationally. Equally at home singing traditional Irish songs, American Spiritual or Internationally know folk songs . With their last appearance at the festival nearly ten years ago they are sure to add something special to the Saturday night concert this year.

Edel Fox is one of the most accomplished Irish musicians of her generation. Her musical resume boasts a list of accolades. In 2004, Edel was awarded one of the highest honours for a traditional musician in Ireland – the TG4 Young Musician of the Year award. She is a regular performer on Irish National Radio and the BBC and has performed at festivals and in concert halls from North America all the way to Asia with musicians including Jackie Daly, Cherish the Ladies and The Kane Sisters. In 2006 she released an album to critical acclaim with the Galway fiddler Ronan O’Flaherty and a very well-received solo album entitled “Chords and Beryls” in 2010. Her 2013 recording “The Sunny Banks”, featuring Waterford fiddler Neill Byrne was named Tradconnect CD of the Year.

Neill Byrne grew up in Ferrybank, Co. Waterford. He began playing the fiddle at the age of 5 when he started attending classical violin lessons. Growing up in a musical household he became interested in traditional music early and cites Tommy Peoples, Paddy Glackin and Frankie Gavin among his earlier influences. In those early years, Neill attended fiddle lessons with Noelle O’Connor from Limerick and was fortunate enough to grow up playing alongside the great fiddler and composer John Dwyer. He has toured many European countries, Ethopia and the US with various bands and musicians. He is currently one of the top young fiddle players in Ireland today and is also highly regarded as an excellent tutor, himself teaching several young players in the South-East and at workshops all around the country.