Folk Bands and Artists
Sorcha Costello, Elaine Reilly & Catherine McHugh
Sorcha Costello, Elaine Reilly and Catherine McHugh are all highly accomplished musicians in their own right. Having played in concert for the first time in February 2022 as part of the new Ardán project, this trio have been in high demand since, playing at many festivals and concerts both nationally and internationally.
Awarded with the prestigious Gradam Ceoil TG4 Young Musician of the Year 2021, Sorcha Costello is a traditional Irish fiddle player from Tulla Co. Clare and hails from a family immersed in traditional Irish music. Musical collaborations have included a duet with her mother, Mary MacNamara. While Sorcha’s style of fiddle playing is rooted in East Clare, she has been strongly influenced by musicians such as Frankie Gavin, Bryan Rooney, and Tommy Potts. She is nowmpractising as a qualified Music Therapist but also continues to perform and teach traditional music.
From Granard, Co Longford, Elaine Reilly is one of the foremost tenor banjo players of her generation. She has taught at many events including The Willie Clancy Summer School and Scoil Éigse and has toured extensively in Ireland, Britain and North America. In 2020, Elaine was chosen as one of 20 musicians for Trad Ireland’s 20/20 visionaries project and recently recorded with fellow Longford banjo player, Angelina Carberry.
Catherine McHugh is an accomplished fiddle player and highly sought after piano accompanist, performing with the likes of Frankie Gavin, Daithi Gormley, Theresa O’Grady, Conor Connolly and more. Growing up in an area steeped in legends of Irish traditional music, Catherine grew up listening to and playing with many of the outstanding East Galway musicians.
