The Launch of Meath Beo at The Hill of Tara in 2017, featured the following ..
Brenda Castles
Concertina
Brenda Castles from Summerhill, is from a rich tradition of music, having learned concertina from Rena Traynor (née Crotty) & Mícheál
Ó'Raghallaigh. She has a series of All Ireland Fleadh titles to her name both in solo and group competitions. Music has brought her around the
world to far flung destinations including Hong Kong, Mongolia and Iceland. Brenda has just returned from a series of concerts in New York and is
currently based in Dublin city centre, where she regularly performs and teaches music. Brenda launched her debut fourteen track album, 'Indeedin
You Needn't Bother', in early 2017.
Bernadette Nic Gabhann
Fiddle
Bernadette Nic Gabhann comes from a musical family in Ashbourne, and has travelled the world playing fiddle and promoting Irish Arts. She learned
to play at home from her father Antóin Mac Gabhann , a home known for its annual house dances & live RTE Céili House broadcasts. Participating
successfully in Fleadhanna Cheoil in her youth, Bernadette then toured as Fiddle player with Troupe 2 of ‘Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance’.
She is also a member of the acclaimed transatlantic group ‘NicGaviskey’. Bernadette launched her debut solo CD ‘Here to Play’ in Spring 2017, and
has just spent the summer touring Ireland & the US performing and promoting her music. http://www.irishfiddlemusic.com
Fergus McGorman
Flute
Fergus McGorman from Ratoath, comes from a family steeped in Traditional Music. His mother Catherine McEvoy and father Tom McGorman are well
known flute players. Traditional music has been part of the McEvoy family for generations, with their roots in Co. Roscommon. He has honed his
skill of flute playing from listening to many of the masters of all instruments but particularly fiddle and flute playing, and has an in-depth
knowledge of the tradition. He belongs to a generation of young musicians who respect and appreciate the gift of playing traditional Music in all
its beauty and complexity.
The Launch of Meath Beo
The Hill of Tara, September 2017
Meath Beo launched in the stunning St. Patricks Church at the Hill of Tara , on Monday, September 4th 2017. Celebrating the rich cultural traditions alive in Co. Meath, Meath Beo featured the then recent solo recordings of 3 Meath musicians - Brenda Castles, Bernadette Nic Gabhann and Fergus McGorman. Launched by Seán OLaoire , Meath Beo wishes to Thank the Arts office of Meath County Council, and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann for their support. Playing to a sell out crowd, with standing room at capacity, this special evening was revered by all in attendance. The order of the evening allowed for three separate segments, featuring the following.
Fergus McGorman from Ratoath, is currently launching his solo flute CD ‘ Sweeping the cobwebs out of the sky’. Fergus played tracks from this CD, and was then joined by his mother Catherine McEvoy. Next up was Brenda Castles from Summerhill who played solo pieces from her solo concertina CD , 'Indeedin You Needn't Bother'. Brenda was then joined by her father , Noel Castles on banjo for a further selection. This section of the evening finished with Bernadette Nic Gabhann from Ashbourne, playing selections from her recently launched solo fiddle CD , ‘Here to Play’ . Bernadette was then joined by her father Antóin Mac Gabhann on fiddle , and siblings Cllr. Seán Smith on accordian and Caitlin Nic Gabhann on concertina. The family then concluded with some dancing from Bernie Mhic Gabhann and Caitlin.
As a finale, 10 musicians performed one selection of reels in unison to a rousing audience. All agreed that this unique & stunning local setting was a fitting launch for the celebration of our Traditional Irish culture alive in our time throughout Co. Meath. It is hoped Meath Beo will continue with a series of similar events in the future.