Sean-Nós Singer/Dancer in Residence

University of Galway’s Centre for Irish Studies has announced the appointment of Mairéad Ní Fhlatharta from Baile an tSléibhe, An Spidéal, as Sean-Nós Singer-in-Residence for 2024. 

Mairéad has been singing since she began attending classes at An Gaelacadamh at the age of seven. Amongst the teachers who shared their deep knowledge of the tradition with her, she mentions the formative influence of the late Pat Phádraic Tom Ó Conghaile and Peatsaí Ó Ceannabháin. With their encouragement, she has also incorporated elements of the singing of Seosamh Ó hÉanaí and Darach Ó Catháin into her own distinctive style, and mentions Dara Bán and Caitlín Maude as seminal influences on her approach to sean-nós songs.

Mairéad said: “I am spellbound by both the words and the music of the sean-nós songs and I can’t wait to share the richness of Irish language poetry as well as the love and other themes from the Gaeltacht tradition during my time as Singer-in-Residence at the University of Galway.”

Announcing the appointment, Dr Méabh Ní Fhuartháin, Head of Irish Studies at the University of Galway, said: “The living link with the sean-nós song tradition and other aspects of the vernacular arts of the Conamara Gaeltacht are a key element of the work we do here. We have had the privilege of working with some of the finest exponents of the Gaeltacht arts since this scheme was established 20 years ago and I have no doubt that Mairéad Ní Fhlatharta will make a significant contribution to that distinguished tradition.”

Mairéad will deliver a series of workshops at University of Galway beginning on Wednesday February 28 at 6pm.  The workshops are free and open to the public.   

This project is funded by Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Chomhairle Ealaíon in association with the Centre for Irish Studies at University of Galway.