Seán began his musical journey on the tin whistle under the guidance of Kevin McTernan and later progressed to the accordion, taught by his father, Michael. Both were members of the County Leitrim Céilí Band. He has competed extensively at the Fleadh Cheoil, most notably winning the Senior Céilí Band competition with The Dartry Céilí Band in 2009. His sister Noelle, a flute player, was also a member of the band.

An experienced and dedicated teacher, Seán is passionate about passing on the tradition. He is married to Claire, and together they have three children—Emma, Lucy, and Tara—all of whom play both classical and traditional music.

One of Ireland’s finest flute players and gifted teachers, June comes from Ballintogher, Co. Sligo. In 1998, she was awarded The TG4 Gradam ‘Young Musician of the Year Award’ in the Town Hall Theatre in Galway, and that same year, she won the All Ireland Senior Flute Competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ballina. A primary school teacher by profession,

June has published two seminal flute tutorial books in recent years, Fliúit (2006) and Fliúit 2 (2009).  She has recorded three CDs with Michael Rooney; ‘Tobar an Cheoil’ (2022), ‘Land’s End’ (2006) and Draíocht’ (2004). June is a member of Sligo’s Dartry Ceili Band..

Charles O’Connor, a native of Sligo, is an accomplished musician with roots in both Irish traditional and classical music. A former All-Ireland champion on piano and piano accordion, he tutors traditional groups and is pianist with the Innisfree Céilí Band, winners of the All-Ireland Senior Céilí Band competition in 2008.

Trained in organ and piano at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Charles is also organist and director of music at Sligo Cathedral. A secondary school teacher, he has directed award-winning choirs and numerous school musicals. Above all, he enjoys guiding students on their musical journey.

One of Ireland’s leading harpists and composers, Michael Rooney is originally from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan and now lives in Sligo. He was awarded the TG4 Gradam ‘Composer of the Year’ in 2017 and has since composed nineteen major suites, including The Ulster Suite (2022), The Famine Suite (2019), and The De Cuéllar Suite (2011).

His work has been commissioned by national arts bodies and featured at events such as the visit of Prince Charles to Sligo in 2015. Michael has published four books of his music, recorded an album of The Macalla Suite with the Macalla Orchestra, and released three CDs with flute player June McCormack. He also performs with Sligo’s Dartry Ceili Band.

Caoimhe Kearins hails from Collooney, outside the town of Ballymote, Co. Sligo. She is the third generation of a family steeped in traditional music & song and is a Senior All Ireland fiddle, singing and lilting champion. I

In 2017 she won the prestigious Senior Fiddler of Dooney title. She has tutored at several other festivals and summer schools in recent years and she brings a rich store of skill, a deep understanding of the tradition and experience to her teaching.

Kenny Donagher, from Easkey, Co. Sligo, grew up in a family immersed in traditional music and performed from an early age at concerts, céilithe, fleadhanna, and on radio and television. He later worked in local radio as a sound engineer and presenter, producing a traditional music programme for almost a decade.

Kenny has performed with blues, Cajun, country, and folk bands, playing accordion, keyboards, harmonica, and vocals, as well as arranging and composing. He has appeared at festivals at home and abroad, and in 2015 produced an album with Kerrie Herrity launched at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. His style is rooted in the Sligo fiddle tradition, enriched with contemporary and classical influences.

Senior All-Ireland Champion Concertina player, Aileen Bourke is a graduate from the Irish Music and Dance course at the University of Limerick where she obtained a first class honours degree. In recent years she has played extensively throughout Ireland, the UK and America. From Bonniconlon, County Mayo, she is highly sought after as a music tutor.

Aileen took home All-Ireland fleadh medals for 5 consecutive years and was fortunate enough to become the senior concertina all Ireland champion at the 2019 All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Drogheda.