MUSIC MAKERS Musicians, singers, managers, producers & promoters STEVE ABBOTT Producer, promoter and artist manager Lead singer with UK Decay in the early 80s, Luton Irish man Steve Abbott is now a producer, artist manager and concert promoter.Ventures include The Good Life Experience festival. SUSAN BOYLE Singer Susan Magdalane Boyle was born in West Lothian into a family with Donegal roots. She became an overnight sensation after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent. KEVIN BURKE Musician Kevin Burke was born in London to parents from Co. Sligo. Considered one of the finest living Irish fiddlers, his style has greatly influenced traditional music. He has performed with seminal bands Patrick Street and The Bothy Band. PATRICK CALLAGHAN Development Officer Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Scotland Patrick Callaghan has been connected with Comhaltas since an early age. He comes from a Tyrone/Donegal background, lives in Glasgow, and plays accordion. He hosts Trad with Pad on Celtic Music Radio. CARA DILLON Singer, songwriter From Dungiven, Co. Derry, Cara Dillon is an award-winning singer. Now married to her musical collaborator
TRAD WITH PAD: Paddy Callaghan Sam Lakeman, she lives in Frome, Wiltshire where she is pivotal in the town’s thriving music scene. ELVIS COSTELLO Singer, songwriter Declan Patrick Aloysius McManus, born in London, occupies a significant place in rock music, his material drawing on many influences. He, in turn, has inspired many artists from The Pogues to Suzanne Vega. DANNY DOHERTY Founder Doherty Academy of Irish Dancing Danny Doherty, from Clonmany, Co. Donegal, left Ireland in 1964 and settled in Coventry. Since its foundation more than four decades ago the school has won more World Championships than any other school. DONOVAN Singer, songwriter Donovan Philips Leitch was born in Glasgow to a family with Irish roots. His ballad singing, songwriting and guitar playing is said to have influenced a wide range of artists. Along with his family, he has lived in Co. Cork for many years.
GLOBAL STAR: Niall Horan
PATRICK DOYLE Composer
From Lanarkshire, Patrick Doyle is a long-time collaborator with Belfast actor-director Kenneth Branagh. He is known for his compositions for films such as Henry V (1989), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Hamlet (1996), and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, plus many more. JOHNNY FEAN Musician Johnny Fean is a member of Horslips. From Limerick, Fean lived in London for many years playing on the pub and folk circuit. MICHAEL FLATLEY Dancer Michael Flatley first stepped onto the world stage when he toured with The Chieftains. In 1994 he changed the face of Irish dance forever with his breath-taking creation of Riverdance. He went on to create Lord of the Dance – he has become synonymous with spectacular artistry on a grand scale, mesmerising audiences worldwide. JOHN GILHOOLEY Artistic Director, Wigmore Hall John Gilhooly from Castleconnell, Co. Limerick, nailed one of Britain’s most prestigious artistic jobs through food poisoning. “I was at home in bed recovering from food poisoning and my brother brought me a copy of The
Guardian.” He spotted the advert and subsequently landed the job. DÓNAL GALLAGHER Director, Strange Music Ltd The brother of guitar legend Rory Gallagher, Dónal Gallagher was brought up in Derry. He has ensured his brother’s legacy has been kept alive. LIAM AND NOEL GALLAGHER Musicians William John Paul Gallagher was born in Manchester, to Irish parents Thomas and Peggy Gallagher. Along with his brother he formed the seminal band Oasis. NIALL GALLAGHER Chairman Irish Heritage Educated in Cork, Niall Gallagher has retired from banking, and now devotes his time to working with Irish Heritage, a voluntary arts organisation in London. THERESA GALLAGHER-MURPHY Scottish Regional Chair, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Theresa Gallagher-Murphy, whose roots lie in Donegal, is a tin-whistle player, flautist, and primary teacher with East Renfrewshire Council. She is head of Comhaltas in Scotland.
31 THE VOICE OF THE IRISH IN BRITAIN SINCE 1970
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