Cork traditional musicians share major award

Cillian Ferry

Two Cork traditional musicians have been named the 2026 Young Musicians of the Year at the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival in Castleisland.

Accordion player Eoin O’Driscoll from Newmarket and fiddle player Mikaela Ní Mhurchú from Turner’s Cross will receive the honour at this year’s festival, which runs from 22-26 October.

Eoin began learning accordion at the age of six and was introduced to traditional music through old recordings of Sliabh Luachra musicians played at his grandfather’s house.

He initially studied with concertina player Deirdre Drew before going on to learn from renowned button accordion player Bryan O’Leary of Tureencahill, grandson of legendary musician John O’Leary. His playing remains firmly rooted in the Sliabh Luachra tradition.

Mikaela began fiddle at seven and has since performed extensively in Ireland and abroad. A final-year occupational therapy student at UCC, she has a particular passion for the Irish language and Sliabh Luachra music and has studied under widely known fiddle player Matt Cranitch.

Both musicians will perform as part of the festival programme, continuing the festival’s longstanding commitment to recognising and supporting the next generation of traditional musicians.

The weekend will also see the celebration of fiddle player Gerry Harrington as he receives the festival’s Dedication to the Music of Sliabh Luachra Award in recognition of his contribution to traditional music.

Harrington has been associated with the Patrick O’Keeffe Festival since its early years and is regarded as one of the leading exponents of the Sliabh Luachra fiddle tradition. The award will be presented during Saturday evening’s Sliabh Luachra Concert, which will also feature a reunion of the Smoky Chimney trio.

Now in its 34th year, the festival will feature more than 200 professional musicians and over 130 live sessions across Castleisland. Highlights include performances by Dervish, Noel Hill, Liam O’Connor, Jackie Daly, Matt Cranitch and Paudie O’Connor.

Festival chairman Conor O’Mahony said recognising young musicians such as Eoin and Mikaela is “hugely important” to the festival, while describing it as a privilege to honour Gerry Harrington for his longstanding contribution to the tradition.