#icons riverdal

[plague-and-creatures]

Lemme just headcanon g1 Deuce as trans rq because as a transmasc it makes me happy :3

[creativepawsworld]

Everything But You

Pairing = Cillian Murphy x OC

Summary = Brianna is a young 19 year old getting ready to start her first year at Cork University to study Law. On her night out to celebrate she meets a man who will change her life in the best possible way. 

Warnings = Language, Grammar, Implied cheating - however no cheating. 

Word Count = 2265

Note = This idea has been rattling in my brain for the past week and I have heard to get it out. This will be a mini series of 90s Cillian. So he is in his band and getting ready to attend College. There will be smutty smut further on, I don’t expect it to be any longer than ten parts. :) 

Enjoy. 

Today had been a bittersweet morning for me. On one side, the happy side, I was accepted to study law in the University of Cork.  A dream of mine since I was a little girl. Becoming a lawyer and following in the footsteps of my father and his father before him, my grandfather. I was carrying on the tradition and was excited to do so.

The bad news was I was rejected again by Riverdance, there was still no open spots. Performing in Riverdance was another dream of mine, not a lifelong dream like becoming a lawyer. But god did I love to dance.

I had developed a love of it at such a young age thanks to my mother. She was an Irish dancer herself and she taught me everything I needed to know. She was my number one fan, always at the meets, the competitions, the practices. Always supporting me.

With her help I became World Irish Dancer Champion twice, Ireland’s Champion four times and European Champion six times and that was only my major accomplishments.

When I turned sixteen however, I lost her to cancer. She was only 46.

Putting the rejection out of my mind for now, I finished the last touches of my makeup. Pumping myself up for a night out with the girls to celebrate my acceptance into College.

I had invited my boyfriend of two years Andrew tonight but he hadn’t responded to my request, instead he just changed the subject if I brought it up. So I doubted very much that I would see him.

“Enjoy your night love” My father, Seamus smiled, shaking his wet hands into the sink in the kitchen.

“Thank you dad, don’t wait up” I kissed the side of his cheek before bounding out of the kitchen and out into the taxi where my best friend Aoife was waiting, our other friends already at the club.

Arriving at the Hawaiian club just before 8pm, the place was already picking up with partygoers, looking to drink and dance away their stresses from the week. Weaving our way through the crowd we found our friends at a table towards the back, right next to the toilets.

“There she is, Miss Law” Billy raised his rum and coke at us as soon as we arrived. Marion and Aoife letting out wild coyote screams in excitement for me.

“Thank you” I grinned accepting a one arms hug from Marion before sitting down while Aoife got the drinks in.

*****

Feeling the buzz of the alcohol, I was dancing in my seat, swaying my upper body side to side when I glanced towards the bathroom, just as a young man no older than myself emerged from behind the white door.

His hair was long, reaching just past his ears. He was wearing a black shirt with some dark jeans but what captured my attention the most was the majestic blue eyes that seemed to scan the room before resting on my own.

I felt my mouth drop and go dry as he passed a table, sending a wink in my direction. He was probably one of the most attractive men I had seen in my life, celebrities sex icons included.

“Ohfft he was fit.” Aoife barked in my ear noticing the mysterious blue eyed man as well. Turning to face her, she had a mischievous smirk on her face and was biting her bottom lip. “You should go talk to him.”

“No way” I blushed looking down at the drink my lap. Lifting it to my mouth I decided to chew on the plastic straw, trying to hide my embarrassment.  

“I won’t tell if you won’t.”

“I’m not like that Aoife” I shook my head, placing the tall glass on the table. My mind instantly went to Andrew. He was nice, our relationship was nice.

He just didn’t have time for me, not right now anyway. Medical school was becoming hectic, he had to study hard to earn his license. At least, this was what I would tell myself whenever I felt alone in the relationship.

“That boy is a waste of your time Brie.” Aoife spoke with a deep scowl on her face, she never liked Andrew. She claimed she could sense an aura around him. She couldn’t describe it but it wasn’t a good one.

Whereas our friend Marion believed he felt like he was better than everyone around him and it was only recently I had saw what she meant. Lately it had seemed like, I wasn’t worth his time nor effort.

“Like where is he? Where is he tonight? He is off, don’t try and tell me otherwise.” Aoife continued, pointing her finger in my direction for emphasis, little did she know her tone of voice was all she truly needed.

“How do you know he is off?” I asked, watching Marion return with a tray full of shots. My eyes going wide at the thought of having to take one, shots were never my thing.

“Remember Calvin, his hot ass friend from the other night.” She wiggled her eyebrows at me, accepting a shot glass from Marion and knocking it back in one.

“Aoife, they were for a toast. God sake, control yourself.” Marion scolded stomping her heeled foot in annoyance before giving her another, this time with a warning look to wait.

“Don’t be a downer…It’s a celebration Mar.” Aoife yelled, sticking her tongue out at the brunette who simply rolled her eyes. “I slept with him, have him in the palm of me hand. Got him to send me their work schedule.”

“Why?” I asked, taking the shot Marion was offering me, nodding my head in thanks.

“To prove to you he is a worthless piece of shit who can’t even make the effort to come see his girlfriend on the day she starts her dream.” Aoife voice was raised as she spoke, catching the attention of Billy and Marion.

“We talking about Andrew?” Marion commented with a raised eyebrow of her own. “You can do so much better girly, you need a man who actually wants to spend time with you and puts in the time.”

“I get it none of you like Andrew” I sighed, bringing the shot glass to my lips and taking the tiniest sip of the Lemon Drop shot.  

“I don’t mind him, honey.” Billy raised his hand with the shot into the air. “He is nice to look at, but you can do so much better.” He pouted his lips before taking the shot.

“Why are you only telling me this now? I could have saved a whole year of my life not being with him if you think he treats me so badly.” I huffed, taking a large sip of the shot, grimacing at its taste.

“He was your first college boo we wanted you to see it through but you are heading to law school now girl. Raise your standards like they raise the bar…” Aoife cackled looking around the group with a wide smile. “Did you get my lawyer joke?”

“Hilarious” I glared with a cheeky smile. Looking down at my drink noticing I needed a refill. Asking the other’s for their drink requests I made my way to the bar and stood at the side waiting patiently to be served.

“I’m Cillian.” The handsome man from the bathroom appeared next to me. His hand outstretched ready for me to shake.

Up close he was incredibly handsome. Light brown freckles dusted across his face, he had the plumpest lips I had ever seen and those eyes, oh my god those eyes, up this close. I could feel myself getting lost.

“Brianna, my friends call me Brie though.” I smiled, taking his hand in mine.

I expected him to shake it but instead, he raised it to his lips placing a tender kiss along each of my knuckles. His eyes never leaving mine as he did, a blush slowly creeping it’s way onto my cheeks.

“Brianna, beautiful name.” He nodded taking my hand from his lips but not quite letting it go, instead opting to hold it close to his chest. “I don’t want to be friends with you but can I call you Brie?” He smirked, mischief dancing in his eyes.

“You may call me Brie but friends is all you are going to get. I’m seeing someone.”

“Ahh, no” He acted, throwing his free hand over his chest, face contorting into fake pain at my words. “I’m not surprised though, beautiful girl like you.” He returned, with a smile.

“You should be an actor, your skills are on point.” I laughed shaking my head, turning to see where the barman was but he had yet to make his way over to me, serving the other end of the bar first.  

“You think?” He asked, taking a sip of his Guinness that I hadn’t noticed was sitting on the bar edge on till now. “I’ll just quit my band now and go into acting then because you said so.”

“Oh my god no, don’t take my word for it.” I blushed looking down at the grimy worktop. I heard Cillian chuckle next to me, his hand coming into my vision sliding along the countertop, fingers tapping against the sticky wood. “So your in a band?”

“Indeed you should come watch us play sometime.” He nodded, taking his eyes from me and looking down at the bar. “We are called The Sons of Mr. Green Genes.”

“Such a strange name.” I mused bringing his attention back towards mine, his blue eyes felt like they were staring through to my soul. For some reason, I felt naked under his gaze. “For a band I mean.”

“What? You don’t like it?” He asked feigning hurt again.

“I didn’t say that now did I?” I challenged back with an eyebrow of my own raised.

“Touché.” Cillian laughed, dropping his chin towards his chest before turning towards me, forearm resting on the edge of the worktop. “Where is this lucky man of yours then?”

“He… I honestly do not know.” I shake my head, something inside of me deciding not to defend Andrew. “Hi, can I get two rums and cokes, one pint of Harp and a vodka coke. Do you want anything?” I ordered turning to Cillian when the barman eventually made his way towards me.

“Um no I’m good thanks” Cillian shook his head. “I don’t know why I was expecting at least one of those drink orders to be a fruity cocktail, you surprised me.”

“How do you know one of those drinks are mine? I could just be waiting for you to leave before ordering the cocktail.”

“That is true.” Cillian nodded, leaning towards me that little bit closer so his forearm brushed up against my own. “Except there is only four of you at your table and you ordered four drinks. Simple maths.”  

“Your rather observant.”

“It’s’ a skill I have obtained for the longest time. Helps keep me out of trouble.”

“Do you get in trouble a lot?”

“Ah, you’ll have to give me your number to find that out” He winked, a cocky grin returning to his face.

Drawing my bottom lip between my teeth, I watched his eyes drop down to my lips and back towards my eyes, his action deepening the blush in my cheeks. No man has ever made me blush or feel as giddy as this man right here in front of me.

“I told you…”

“You have a guy, I know. I wouldn’t put you in a uncomfortable position but I do like you. We can be friends. Come on, what’s the worst that could happen?” He asked, the cheeky glint never leaving his eyes.

“I thought you weren’t interested in becoming friends.”

“Arghh you remembered.” He exaggerated throwing his head back. I could help but laugh as I watched his soft, deep brown hair floating back. “Alright fine, no number. This time, but come to the Taphouse, Saturday night for 8pm. My band is playing, you’ll enjoy it.”

“How do you know what I enjoy Cillian?”

“It’s like a sixth sense” He mused with a squint in his eyes. Hands moving up to draw circles around his temples. “I’ll see you Saturday?” He questioned finishing his Guinness and slamming the now empty glass on the counter.

“See you Saturday Cillian.” I nodded, a huge grin making its way onto my face as he pumped his arms in the air before weaving his way through the crowd to head towards the exit.

A group of his friends stood waiting for him, some older, some younger but all smirking and nudging their friend with their arms as soon as he reached them. Before he left, Cillian took one last look in my direction, sending another wink my way. Then he was gone.

“Miss” A voice broke me from my trance like state, glancing over my shoulder I noticed the barman had placed all my drinks on a tray in front of me, his hands outstretched for a payment.

Handing over a £10 note, I grabbed the tray, ignoring my change as I made my way back to my table, my friends wondering what had taken so long but I just smiled, shaking my head at them as my mind wondered to Cillian.

How was it possible to feel so wanted after a ten minute conversation with a complete stranger when I had been with Andrew for two years and felt nothing as  close as this.

[ladytemeraire]

Actually, since I'm on a Riverdance kick, let me share this here as well.

The titular "Riverdance" set is absolutely my favorite of the show, as well as being probably the most iconic piece, but "Heartland" is a very, very close second for me personally. There's actually very little music to it, other than the intro and the finale; most of it is taps from either the solo male lead (Flatley in this case) or the full troupe, but oh how glorious it is. It's like watching a drumline in dance form, the way it builds and builds with whipcrack precision until it finally breaks like lightning into its full dramatic glory.

(I apologize for the scrungly quality, but this is the original 1995 performance, and none of the newer ones in higher quality video come close IMHO, so you get 240 whole pixels.)

[myobsessionsspace]

Beyoncé

Page 1 •

All My #Beyoncé

Top 4

I Am…Sasha Fierce: Mugler Biker

Lemonade: Country Lemonade

Beychella: Queen, Pink Soro

Black is King: Black is King - Already, Mugler Power, Mood 4 Eva

Renaissance: Pink Flower Fairy, Pink Flower Fairy (2), Blue Royalty, The Outfit, Beige But Not Boring, Little Black Dress, Bey Day, Technicolor Bey, Silver Horse Bey

Cowboy Carter Posts:

Cowboy Carter

Cowboy Carter & The Iconic Collaborators

Cowboy Carter - Beyoncé Praise from Sir Paul McCartney

Cowboy Carter - Riverdance (the inspo?) feat. Ms Pattie & Dolly P

Cowboy Carter Looks: W Magazine, Linda Martell Tee, Just For Fun, Brown Leather, Suited, Leather Daisy Dukes, Chloe (1), Chloe (2), Lady in Red, Ice Blue Queen, Cowboy Cardigan, Flaming Cowboy, All White Vinyl

[talk-today]

Global Recognition and Irish Dance's Cultural Impact

Today, Irish dance is at its peak and has been thrown to the global stage where everyone is watching and loving this transformation. Iconic productions like Riverdance and Lord of the Dance lead in this phenomenon by incorporating modernised versions of Irish dance steps. The elaborate stage shows have proved to be entertainment for millions of people. But even more importantly, the spectacular performances have popularized this kind of dancing around the world.

The Rise of Irish Dance Phenomena

Irish dance is a global phenomenon that is largely attributed to hits like Riverdance from the nineties. Riverdance achieved worldwide fame by successfully blending the infectious energy of traditional Irish dance with contemporary production techniques, creating spectacular performances that made it famous. Another crucial production that followed was the ‘Lord of the Dance’, further establishing Irish dance as a cultural phenomenon. The shows combine the conventional and modern features that have not just provided entertainment but have also served as cultural messengers highlighting the richness and complexity in Irish dancing.

The Rigorous Art of Irish Dance

The discipline, precise footwork and commitments demanded by the practice make it very difficult and that lies at the heart of the worldwide recognition of Irish Dance. However, dancers begin by undergoing strict training from childhood before they reach perfection. It takes a great amount of commitment to produce such a level of upper bodily rigidity while still being able to perform complex dance-shoe movements. The promise extends beyond the dance, becoming a part of dancer’s life transforming them into persistent, dedicated disciplined and strong-willed people. Therefore Irish dancing is one important discipline that impacts many sections of the dancers’ lives including their social and career aspects.

Embodiment of Ireland's Spirit

The unique spirit embodied by Ireland is represented well through an expressive art form – Irish dance. This symbolizes the tough spirit and community orientation that are typical for the Irish. The Irish dance has much more than entertainment in it; it enthralls people by its stunning moves and beautiful rhymes. Its international attraction builds bridges between people across cultures coming together to enjoy Irish tradition.

Irish dance goes beyond performance as the spirit of Ireland permeates that dance. This is a tour across the pages of Irish tradition, an exploration of the resilient personality that has been present in Ireland through successes and disasters. The steps tell stories, each movement vibrates to Irish reverberations making the dance alive to the dancers’ hearts.

Irish Dance as a Cultural Ambassador

As Irish dance continues to evolve and enchant audiences across the globe, its role as a cultural ambassador becomes ever more prominent. Beyond its sheer entertainment value, Irish dance works to cultivate cross-cultural connections and appreciation. This form of dance acts as a bridge, bringing together individuals from various regions who share a mutual admiration for Ireland's rich heritage. Such cultural exchanges not only break barriers, but also add to the rich tapestry of our world, weaving diverse traditions together in perfect harmony. Irish dance serves as a powerful medium for Ireland to communicate its history, values, and identity to the rest of the world. Whether it's a single dancer expertly showcasing a jig, or a large ensemble moving in perfect synchrony, each performance takes on the role of a valuable cultural dialogue.

Preserving Traditions, Connecting Generations

As the realm of Irish dance continues to evolve, it serves as both a guardian of tradition and an instigator of new ideas. The essential footwork, passed down through countless generations, is given due reverence, acting as a bridge to Ireland's past. Yet, this dance form remains open to modern influences, allowing for a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary elements. This delicate balance ensures that Irish dance stays fresh and captivating for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. One of the key components of Irish dance's cultural significance is its unifying power across generations. Within families, the tradition is often passed down, creating a lineage of dancers who share a deep connection to their heritage. The dance becomes more than just movement - it becomes a shared language, a means for older generations to pass down their cultural legacy to the younger ones. This intergenerational transfer is truly at the heart of the dance's enduring cultural impact.

A Timeless Symbol of Irish Identity

To sum up, Irish dance is more than just a form of entertainment; it holds a special place in Ireland's identity and has made a profound impact on a global scale. The timeless appeal of its traditional steps, paired with contemporary adaptations that captivate modern audiences, truly embodies the spirit of the Irish people. With its ability to instill discipline and foster cultural exchange, Irish dance serves as a powerful ambassador of Irish heritage. Its ability to connect generations also serves as a testament to the enduring resilience and splendor of Irish culture. 

Everyone can experience the excitement of traditional Irish dancing with award-winning and highly-skilled professionals of The Irish Dance Party in a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere in the centre of Dublin. The talented dancers of The Irish Dance Party will lead everyone through easy-to-follow group dances. Visitors can get swept away by thrilling dance show performances showcasing their international expertise, having performed with prestigious touring productions like Riverdance. As Irish dance continues to charm and mesmerize audiences around the world, it not only resounds on stage but also within the hearts of those who appreciate the incredible legacy it represents.

[trendingnewsbite]

‘Lord of the Dance’ Star Michael Flatley Working on Biopic Series

Michael Flatley, the creator and star of iconic Irish dance shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, is set to have his life and career dramatized on-screen. As first reported by Variety, the series, tentatively titled Dancelord, is a “no holds barred biopic” that will chronicle the highs and lows of Flatley’s colorful life. It is produced by StoryFirst and written by Micho Rutare (Z…

[twi-packss]

COLE SPROUSE TWITTER PACK

like/reblog if u save <3

credits to @itslarrylandia x

make your wish x

[leaving-fragments]

thinking about how micheal flatley in riverdance probably shaped my perspective on and expectation of masculinity more than i realised

[menotgay]

the fact that jack for sure picks up twitter lingo because he runs an riverdale stan account, and it’d rub off on cas because of his incessant need to be human, and the fact that he doesn’t know any better, and then like dean would HAVE to start using it because he hears cas, and is like scared he’s an old man who know less slang than his out of touch husband, and theres no way iN HELL he’s old. Sam sees this all progressing, but he stays silent because he causes problems on purpose, and this all culminates in dean talking gay around some cop.

[eruditepsd]

MADELAINE PETSCH ICONS.🍓

like and reblog if u use/save them and follow alexst6ndall and -eruditegirl.

[riverdalefan6602]

[sweetsfuckingpea]

reggie mantle [warm] hearts icons

[twiballon]

like or credits on @cornliabass if u save/use! ♥

[sunskate]

JGP Riga

There are 3 Oblivion RDs in this comp

Igor Shpilband's junior teams at this event are skating to Scheherazade and To Build a Home -- he SO often gives his teams music associated with famous or even iconic programs from big teams--

Moulin Rouge for Diana Davis & Gleb Smolkin Farrucas for CPom Rio, which Lajoie and Lagha just did the last 2 seasons, and Riverdance for Pate & Bye - i know there are more

Madi and Adrian were on a plane Monday, so maybe they're the IAM.O coaches with Jordyn and Noah in Riga this week, which means maybe Scott goes to US Classic in Lake Placid with his 3 teams next week?

[simonsworkshop]

im bad at keeping my finished commissions updated but i finished 100 erinn westbrook  icons from riverdate

[mcneelamusic]

Five irish concertina players you should be listening to

There’s no denying that Noel Hill has become one of the most influential Irish concertina players in the world of traditional Irish music. His influence is far reaching and second only to the iconic Mrs. Crotty.

The most important legacy that any musician can leave in their wake is a generation of younger musicians following in their footsteps. Noel Hill has most definitely achieved this.

The virtuoso concertina player from Co. Clare has gained legendary status thanks to his musical prowess. Concertina players everywhere strive to emulate his iconic playing style. His influence on traditional Irish concertina playing today cannot be overstated.

So who are the concertina players following in his footsteps? Keep reading and I’ll introduce you to some of the best concertina players on the scene today.

These brilliant musicians are setting the scene alight with their innovative playing. From newcomers to unexpected names, these concertina players are well worth knowing. Their playing will delight and inspire, just as Noel Hill’s has before them.

Contents

Musical Heritage: Jack Talty

The Rhythm of the Dance: Caitlín Nic Gabhann

Musical Exploration: Pádraig Rynne

Dual Citizenship: Niamh Ní Charra

The Banks of the Liffey: Sarah Flynn

Following in their Footsteps

The Irish Concertina Ensemble

The Housekeepers

Musical Heritage: Jack Talty

It’s only right that Noel’s nephew himself would take the lead. Jack Talty is a masterful concertina player from Lissycasey in county Clare. He began learning the concertina from his uncle, Noel Hill, at the age of 10. Immersed in the tradition from a young age and surrounded by a thriving traditional Irish music community, Jack thrived. Today he is one of the leading concertina players within the tradition:

A true Jack of all trades, Talty is an accomplished arranger, composer, producer, researcher, sound engineer and teacher. A master of them all, his heart lies with traditional Irish concertina playing however.

In 2011, Jack founded Raelach Records. As artistic director of the music label, he has produced many brilliant records including an exciting collaboration, Na Fir Bolg, with fellow concertina player Cormac Begley.

While an entire album of concertina duets might seem like an unusual concept, it works. These two concertina players, both from esteemed musical families, add a new dimension to concertina playing. Their musicality shines through, as does their deep love and understanding of the tradition itself. The end result is magical:

In 2016, Jack also released his debut solo concertina album, In Flow, to rave reviews, and rightly so.

In Flow reflects the many years of dedication Talty has given to traditional music… and to developing a distinctive musical voice of his own within an approach that is passionately engaged with the music of his predecessors and contemporaries. – Toner Quinn, Journal of Music

While Noel Hill’s influence is evident in Jack’s playing, it’s also clear that he is driven by his own passion for the music and his dedication to his craft. In the short video below, Jack speaks about why he plays music and offers some brilliant advice to those just starting out on their music journey:

The Rhythm of the Dance: Caitlín Nic Gabhann

No list of brilliant modern day concertina players would be complete with our very own Caitlín Nic Gabhann. Some of you might recognise Caitlín from our online concertina lesson series and as a regular guest blogger. Her vibrant concertina playing has undoubtedly earned her a place on this list.

A three time All-Ireland champion on concertina, Caitlín is also an accomplished dancer who has toured the world with Riverdance. It’s this skill as a dancer that likely contributes to her characteristic rhythmic style of playing:

Caitlín was born and raised in Co. Meath where she first learned music from her father, renowned fiddle player Antóin Mac Gabhann. She learned her dancing from her mother, Bernie, who was herself immersed in the set dancing style of Co. Clare.

In 2012, Caitlín released her debut album which was labelled the ‘top Irish traditional album of 2012’ by The Wall Street Journal. It’s not hard to understand why!

This vibrant album is full of life from the very first track:

There’s an exciting energy to Caitlín’s playing that is evident throughout the album, even on the slower, sweeter tracks. Have a listen to Caitlín’s own composition, Sunday’s Well to hear for yourself:

The Irish Concertina Ensemble

Caitlín has many exciting musical collaborations under her belt including several albums with her husband, award-winning fiddle player, Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. One of her most interesting projects however is an innovative concertina quintet – the Irish Concertina Ensemble.

If you thought a concertina duet was unexpected, a concertina quintet is definitely unprecedented in Irish music. Some might despair at the thought, but it’s a concertina player’s dream:

The Irish Concertina Ensemble, or ICE, is made up of five world renowned leading exponents of the Anglo Concertina – Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh, Pádraig Rynne, Tim Collins, Edel Fox, and Caitlín Nic Gabhann.

The quintet released their debut album in 2015. Zero features a mix of traditional Irish tunes and newly composed repertoire, all arranged for five concertinas. It definitely succeeds in pushing the boundaries of traditional Irish concertina playing. It’s certainly an experience to hear these tunes in the hands of not one, but five master concertina players:

Musical Exploration: Pádraig Rynne

Another Co. Clare native, Pádraig Rynne is an exciting and innovative concertina player renowned for his experimental sound:

Pádraig has collaborated with some of the greatest traditional Irish musicians out there – Donal Lunny, John McSherry, Sylvain Barou – the list is endless, both as a producer and as a member of a number of exciting ensembles.

His musical explorations increasingly lead him down a path that is less and less traditional at every turn. This isn’t a criticism by any means. A little creativity never hurt anyone! Pádraig’s music would definitely struggle to be defined as ‘traditional Irish music’ however.

Pádraig’s music draws inspiration from a variety of genres and musical styles, particularly electronic. His passion and prowess for music technology is particularly evident on his solo albums. His continued experimentation leads to refreshing explorations of traditional repertoire:

Whatever your opinion may be on his style of music, there’s no denying that Pádraig is a virtuoso concertina player who has succeeded in taking Irish concertina playing to new and exciting heights.  His musicality is enviable. Don’t worry, his traditional roots are never too far away:

Dual Citizenship: Niamh Ní Charra

Niamh Ní might be an unexpected entry to this list for some. Niamh is best known for her years spent as the fiddle player with Riverdance. She’s also a master of the Irish concertina however. While touring the world with the iconic Irish dance show, she introduced audiences to her brilliant concertina playing and gained a well earned reputation as a virtuoso of both instruments:

Niamh grew up in Killarney, immersed in the Sliabh Luachra music tradition. (Sliabh Luachra is both a mountainous region in the southwest of Ireland and an iconic, highly rhythmic playing style. Think polkas and slides played at breakneck speeds.)

She began learning the fiddle at the age of four, and progressed to the concertina – sharing her love for music between the two. While Niamh’s concertina playing also draws on more modern influences, you can definitely hear that highly rhythmic Sliabh Luachra flavour to her playing:

A multi-award winning multi-instrumentalist, Niamh has talent to burn. In 2014 she was awarded Female Musician of the Year in the Live Ireland Music Awards. Keen to display her prowess on both instruments, Niamh released her debut solo album From Both Sides in 2007.

This album masterfully highlights her skill on both instruments, and is bursting with beautiful, expressive playing, at which Niamh excels. Have a listen to this haunting rendition of Caoineadh Eoghan Rua – one of the best interpretations I’ve ever heard of this beautiful air:

The Banks of the Liffey: Sarah Flynn

So many prominent Irish concertina players hail from Co. Clare that you’d be forgiven for thinking we only give a concertina licence to those from the Banner County. Our next concertina player however, hails from North County Dublin, and believe me it’s a long long way from Clare to here.

As the capital city of Ireland, Dublin has long been a melting pot of regional Irish music styles, producing high calibre musicians who draw on inspiration from across the country. Typically, most of these musicians end up looking west, or, in this case, southwest to Co. Clare.

Sarah Flynn began playing the concertina at an early age under the tuition of Aoife O’Connor and none other than Noel Hill himself. With influences including Noel Hill and fiddle player Bobby Casey, it will come as no surprise that Sarah has a keen interest in concertina and fiddle music from County Clare.

Despite the strong influence of such stylistic musicians, Sarah has succeeded in developing a unique and innovative style of concertina playing:

The Housekeepers

Though a noted solo performer, one of Sarah’s most exciting contributions to traditional Irish music comes in the form of a partnership with Dublin fiddle player, Doireann Glackin (granddaughter of the great Seán Ó Riada), The Housekeepers.

The Housekeepers is more than just an album. It’s the culmination of an exciting research project that examines the repertoire of five female musicians from the 20th century and explores their role within the world of traditional music through a new lens.

The tracks journey through various Irish regional styles including the West Clare, West Limerick, East Galway and Sliabh Luachra traditions. Most importantly however, they do so specifically from the perspective of female musicians and their contributions to the traditions.

The combination of Sarah’s unique playing style and her retrospective creativity definitely makes her a young concertina player to watch.

Following in their Footsteps

If like these brilliant concertina players you’re feeling inspired to pick up a concertina and embark on your own musical journey, why not take a look at our Online Concertina Store and see what we have to offer? We have concertinas to suit all levels and abilities. There really is an instrument for everyone.

We also have an exciting offer for any beginner concertina player out there. For a limited time, with every purchase of our beloved Wren Anglo Concertina, our Swan Concertina or our intermediate Phoenix Concertina we are offering a free series of online video lessons with none other than Caitlín Nic Gabhann.

Caitlín’s expert guidance is guaranteed to take your concertina playing to the next level and make you a concertina virtuoso in no time!