John Dwyer Trad Weekend workshops: presented by
Trad House New Ross
Saturday August 15th at various New Ross Venues
Workshop overview and participation details
Facilitated by Trad House New Ross, the John Dwyer Trad Weekend proudly presents ten unique workshops, each led by renowned tutors in traditional Irish music.
These sessions are crafted to inspire and educate, providing invaluable insights into technique, repertoire, and the heart of Irish musical heritage. From mastering some new tunes to refining your performance, our tutors are dedicated to guiding you every step of the way. Get to know the experts who will share their passion and knowledge with you during the workshop.
Our Improvers workshops are designed for improver musicians who have already fully mastered at least 10 traditional tunes, including dance music such polkas and double jigs.
NOTE: These workshops are not suitable for complete beginners or as an introduction to the instrument.
The tutors will teach a selection of tunes designed to offer development in playing, technique and repertoire.
The Introduction to Set Dancing Workshop is suitable for beginners, or step dancers interested in getting involved in the set-dancing scene.
There are also two advanced workshops, ideal for competent musicians performing at a fleadh-level quality who wish to engage with the compositions of John Dwyer or gain experience in the art of traditional tune composition.
Attendees will immerse themselves in an environment geared towards technical refinement and expanding their musical repertoire, ensuring a rewarding and challenging experience for all.
Meet our tutors and book a place through Trad House New Ross
Saturday Aug.15th 10.30 a.m. sharp
Venue: St. Mary's Secondary School, Irishtown, New Ross Y34 XR63 (Instruments/singing)
Introduction to Set Dancing with Liz Hand is in Spider O'Brien's Function Room (Upstairs) South Street.
Séamus Sands Fiddle
Fiddle player Séamus Sands from Co. Down is based in Cork. He is a well-regarded tutor including presenting workshops at Willie Clancy Week. He has released several excellent solo fiddle albums.
Book your place here through Trad House New Ross:
Michael Curran Button Accordion
An All-Ireland winner on button accordion and also with the renowned Blackwater Céilí Band, Tyrone's Mickey Curran is a well-known and much-loved tutor at Festivals and tradfests at home and overseas.
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Pádraig Mac Aodhgáin Concertina
Wicklow-born Pádraig MacAodhgáin is based in Cork. He has released an outstanding solo concertina album , Tobar gan Trá, and has taught at many festivals including Willie Clancy Week and at WexTrad earlier this year.
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James McCaffrey Tin whistle or Flute
James McCaffrey from Tyrone is an All-Ireland winner in whistle, flute and with The Blackwater Céilí Band. He is also a well-known adjudicator at Comhaltas competitions, along with being in demand as a tutor at festivals.
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Éire agus Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin - Singing agus Amhránaíocht
Éire Ní Fhaoláin agus Cú Chulainn Ó Faoláin are a sibling duo with a love of sean-nós singing, traditional music and poetry. An Ghaeilge is at the heart of their music. They combine music sean-nós and poetry, inspired by Éire’s new poetry book ‘Puisín Beag an Diabhail’, which explores the folklore of Ireland surrounding the black cat and the number nine. They have recently performed their special show at the Michael Dwyer Festival in West Cork , which honours John's brother.
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Jill Devlin
Harp
Jill is a well-known performer and tutor on harp. She is currently the harp tutor with Music Generation Waterford and Comhaltas Waterford and directs a number of harp ensembles. She has performed widely and done collaborations with numerous traditional performers of note. In 2024 Jill released her debut album ‘Tales From the Harp’ with the Celtic Harp International Academy.
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Pat Bass Banjo
Pat Bass from Gorey in County Wexford is a multiple All-Ireland champion on banjo, mandolin and in duets/trios. He is a regular performer for set dancing with various popular céili bands.
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Liz Hand Set Dancing
Liz Hand from Carlow is a hugely popular tutor and set caller for set dancing events around the country. Her skills in imparting the basics of set dancing to those new or returning to dancing are legendary.
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Advanced Workshops
Josephine Marsh Composition
Josephine Marsh from Co. Clare is an accomplished accordion player and a noted composer of traditional-style tunes. She has published a collection of her compositions and many of her compositions have become embedded within traditional music.
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Edel Fox - John Dwyer tunes
Edel Fox is a noted concertina player from Co. Clare. She has travelled extensively as a professional musician and is well-known for her work as a film and documentary producer. She has great knowledge of and insight in to the music of the late John Dwyer.
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Neil Byrne - John Dwyer tunes
Neil Byrne from Waterford has performed widely with Edel Fox and together they were musical friends of the late John Dwyer. Neil and Edel have unparalleled knowledge of John's music and featured on John's album, The Dursey Sound.
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Advanced Workshops
Composition Workshop for Advanced players led by Josephine Marsh.
Josephine is a highly-accomplished musician and her compositions have already entered the tradition mainstream.
Venue: Dunbrody Centre
4.30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
John Dwyer Tunes workshop led by Edel Fox and Neil Byrne
Edel and Neil having acquired their repertoire of John's compositions during their long association with him, teach a selection of his wonderful tunes.
Venue: New Ross YMCA Hall
4.30 p.m. - 6 p.m.