Dónal O’Connor

Son of the celebrated fiddler Gerry O’Connor (Skylark, Kinvara) and renowned singer Eithne Ní Uallacháin (Lá Lugh), Dónal O’Connor has inherited a great musical legacy of at least five generations of fiddle playing. Highly regarded as a fiddle player, he was asked, at the tender age of twenty one, to take part in the prestigious ‘Music Network Tour of Ireland’ alongside Scottish Guitarist Tony Mc Manus, Fermanagh purveyor of song Gabriel McArdle and Belfast Piper John Mc Sherry (Lúnasa, Coolfin, Tamalin).Dónal’s playing was described recently by the press as “immaculate” “electrifying” and “…borne out of naked talent and consummate professionalism…” The Irish Times “exquisite” - The Scotsman. He has toured Europe and the USA extensively from a young age as both a lead and backing instrumentalist with a number of bands including Lá Lugh. Currently living in Belfast, Dónal is part of an extremely vibrant music scene and is regarded as “One of the outstanding players of his generation” J.B. Vallely. Recent collaborations have included tours with Mike McGoldrick, Cathal McConnell , T.V. performances with the legendary Sligo Flute player Séamus Tansey and recording work with Brian Kennedy and Máire Brennan of Clannad.Despite a hectic schedule of gigs, Dónal found time to produce Gerry O’Connor’s long awaited solo album Journeyman which was released in the Autumn of 2004 to great critical acclaim. Dónal has also presented a number of music programmes on BBC Radio Ulster and was the presenter of BBC Northern Irelands excellent 10 part music series ‘An Stuif Ceart’ - described as a rare musical treat, the series incorporated an eclectic mix of talent with such luminaries as John Prine and Henry McCullough alongside the cream of Irish talent.More recently Donal recorded 'Tripswitch' with John McSherry. Described as 'Acoustic Perfection' by Living Tradition and 'Medicine for the soul' by The Irish Music magazine, Folk Roots said '"There's probably not been such an innovative album released on the green island since Lunasa's The Merry Sisters of Fate and Tripswitch probably shatters more boundaries."Currently a member of the much acclaimed 'At First Light', Donal is working on a collaboration with John McSherry and the Legendry American slide guitarist Bob Brozman which is due for release in 2009.