Conor McDonagh
Conor McDonagh is a flute player from Killavil, Co Sligo. From a young age, Conor showed great promise and his mastery of his chosen instrument belies his youth. He is widely recognised as a special talent and while his playing style is deeply rooted in the South Sligo tradition his music reflects his own flair and personality. Having attended the whistle and flute classes at the South Sligo Summer School as a young boy, Conor is looking forward to now giving summer school attendees a start on the traditional flute.

Deirdre Hurley is a flute and tin whistle player from Ballymote, Co. Sligo, who learned her music from her father Michael, a stalwart of the traditional music scene in South Sligo, and from the many accomplished musicians of the area.

Over the years she has taught and performed at many festivals and events in Ireland and abroad, including, most recently, a month-long residency at the World Expo in Dubai. During her many years living in Dublin, she was a regular session leader in the celebrated Cobblestone pub, and was featured on the Thursday Sessions album released by the pub. She has made television appearances on RTÉ’s Fleadh Cheoil and TG4’s Tradfest Temple Bar and Slí na mBeaglaoich.

She was recently invited to contribute to ITMA’s Drawing from the Well series with her sister Mairéad, and subsequently performed in the National Concert Hall as part of a concert based on the series.

Stephen Doherty hails from Foxford, Co. Mayo in the West of Ireland. He began learning music at the age of 4 and through his teenage years began to accumulate numerous all-Ireland medals on whistle, bodhrán, drums, accordion and is a two-time All-Ireland champion on the Melodeon and a senior All-Ireland Champion on the flute.

In the past few years he has shared the stage with artists like, Lúnasa, Sean Keane, Dolores Keane, We Banjo 3, Dougie MacLean, Michael McGoldrick, Dermot Byrne, Slide & Sharon Shannon and has had recording sessions in Nashville with Alison Brown and Tim O’Brien. He has performed in over 20 countries to date and has also featured on RTE’s ‘Nationwide’, ‘The Late Late Show’ and ‘The View’ and on TG4′s ‘Geantraí & ‘Hup’ programmes.