Two young talents from Donegal will feature a new series about the sean-nós song tradition, launching this week.
The TG4 series, called Bláth na hÓige, showcases the multi-faceted talents of Cathal Ó Curráin and Megan Nic Ruairí, as well as other singers from across the island who are making their own of Ireland’s unique sean-nós tradition.
The Irish language sean-nós song tradition is an integral part of Ireland’s musical and cultural landscape. An oral, living tradition, this tradition goes to the very heart of the Gaelic tradition. In Bláth na hÓige, the singers collaborate under the musical direction of renowned sean-nós singer Síle Denvir and the illustrious fiddle player Colm Mac an Iomaire at Stiúideo Cuan in Conamara.
In episode one, airing on Thursday 13th April from 8pm, Cathal Ó Curráin from Gaoth Dobhair takes on an adventure of artistic discovery. Cathal is a singer and bouzouki, banjo and fiddle player. He has been involved in the singing and instrumental music tradition of the Tír Conaill Gaeltacht since he was very young.
From an early age Cathal was immersed in music from attending regular sessions in Teach Hiúdaí Beag with the likes of Mairéad and Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. Hailing from a family that are best known for their singing Cathal learned his songs from his aunties Caitlín and Bríd Joe Jack. Performing from a young age with An Crann Óg, Cathal has travelled the world with different bands to America, Australia, New Zealand and all throughout Europe. His most recent work features on albums with The High Seas, The Conifers, The Friel Sisters and Aoife Scott and his debut solo album Cosán Ceoil was launched in 2022. Cathal won the ‘Best Emerging Artist’ award at the RTÉ Folk Awards in 2022.
Episode six, airing on 18th May, features singer/songwriter and pianist Megan Nic Ruairí is from Rann na Feirste.
Megan was born in England but it was in Rann na Feirste that she began her musical journey as a member of the groups Clann Mic Ruairí and Big Love. Self-exploration and stories of romantic love are central to her compositions. Despite being born in London and raised in Nottingham, England, she is deeply proud of her culture and heritage. Her Irishness can be confidently felt in her music and songs, weaving and swaying to and fro in her own unique contemporary sound.
She is deeply influenced by nature, sense of place and its effects on one’s soul. With most of her songs written from a piano facing the sea, the musician has always struck inspiration from the beautiful landscapes of her home in Rann na Feirste. So much so, that the seascapes heard on her debut single were recorded below her house tying her art to that which inspires her, accentuating an integral aspect of the song. Megan comes from a musical family, well known for their contribution to the Irish music scene having toured extensively throughout the world. Aside from performing alongside her family, Megan has appeared on many BBC productions and has sung on national radio gaining her a vast universal following as a solo artist.
Bláth na hÓige is an exciting new series that also showcases the talents of Caoimhe & Séamus Ó Flatharta, Méabh Ní Bheaglaoich, Piaras Ó Lorcáin and Máire & Étáin Ní Churraoin. Green shoots from the deep roots of the sean-nós singing tradition, from Conamara to Rann na Feirste, from Ráth Chairn to Oriall and from Corca Dhuibhne to Gaoth Dobhair, this project is a memorable waypoint on the artists’ musical journeys.
