Originally from Galway, Mairtin O’ Connor is a renowned accordionist who plays Irish music with generosity and virtuosity. He is no stranger to Cork and has been performing at the folk festival since 1980.

Accompanied for his projects by experienced musicians, he plays a repertoire strongly influenced by his region of origin, one of the most beautiful regions of Ireland, where the traditions are best preserved.

A true legend of Irish traditional music, Mairtín O’Connor began playing the accordion at the age of nine. An undisputed virtuoso and gifted composer, he has had the opportunity to explore many unusual styles for his instrument.

Today, it is to traditional music that this talented man devotes himself. Accompanied by Cathal Hayden on fiddle and banjo and Seamie O’Dowd on guitar, the trio dexterously moves between compositions and pure tradition, without ever altering the evocative power of its music. Gathered around Mairtin O’Connor, a true legend of Irish music, this trio with incredible musical mastery creates a unique alchemy between the purest tradition and a very innovative style.

Mairtín O’Connor, undisputed virtuoso of the Irish accordion (De Danann, Skylark…) has explored many unusual styles for his instrument, like bluegrass, musette…

Cathal Hayden, one of Ireland’s greatest fiddlers, and also a skilled banjo player, has been named All-Irish Champion several times and is now known as the founding member of Four Men and a Dog. Cathal has recently been awarded the Gradam Ceoil TG4 2026 Musicians of the Year.

Seamie O’Dowd, a guitarist from Co. Sligo, he has played with and toured the world with the band Dervish, Tommy Emmanuel, Martin Hayes and Christy Moore.

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