Meet our Musicians- Aoíbheann Murphy
Nestled on the rugged west coast of Ireland, Doolin is a picturesque village renowned for its vibrant traditional music scene. This small enclave in County Clare has earned a reputation as a musical epicenter, drawing enthusiasts and musicians from around the world. Steeped in rich cultural heritage, Doolin’s pubs come alive with the sound of fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns, creating an atmosphere that is as enchanting as it is authentic.
Here at Doolin Tourism, we are delighted to bring you the tenth in our series of “Meet the Musicians”. A glimpse into the world of some of our best loved artists that play music in Doolin. The local musicians of Doolin are the custodians of our treasured music tradition, ensuring that the soul of Irish music thrives in every corner of the village. Our next musician is Aoíbheann Murphy.
Can you introduce yourself?
Aoíbheann Murphy is a highly accomplished concertina player from Fermoy, Co.Cork. She has played in prestigious venues both in Ireland and internationally, including The National Concert Hall, the Cork Oprea house and The Larnca Theatre (Cyprus) to name but a few. Aoibheann went on her first international tour at the age of fifteen when she toured with the Irish Harp Orchestra in 2007, as one of the principle soloists both on concertina and fiddle. She claimed the under 18 All-Ireland title in 2008 and has gone on to pick up numerous Oireachtas titles and Foras na Gaeilge’s acclaimed ‘Scléip’ competition along the way. Her most recent accomplishment is claiming the Snr. All Ireland title in 2011 at the All Ireland Fleadh in Cavan. Aoibheann has Toured with Comhaltas Ceolitoiri Eireann on the Echoes of Erin tour of Britain and North America as-well as having toured with numerous company’s for both performances and workshops across Europe and USA. In 2016 Aoibheann featured in the TG4 series “Mná an Cheoil”. A production featuring the rise of the talent of women in Irish music .
How did you get into playing Irish Traditional Music?
My older brother Ryan started tin whistle Classes ran by Jimmy Morrison In Fermoy . I spent every one of his classes sitting outside begging to join . Eventually my begging paid off and I was allowed to join at the age of 4 . I started off on the fiddle and for years I always wanted to learn the concertina but we didn’t have a teacher in our local area . Luckily when I was 10 Ernestine Healy from Mayo moved to Fermoy and began teaching concertina lessons and I was finally allowed to give the concertina an go and it’s fair to say I never looked back .
Which musicians have influenced you the most?
There are many influences people have on traditional music but I am very lucky to have had . Tony o Connell and Michael O’Raghallaigh play a huge part in my concertina playing growing up . The knowledge and influence they had on me between classes and workshops I think is very clear in the style of playing I have today .Another major part of my younger years was Clare concertina player Edel fox , the encouragement and workshops she gave to me as I grew as a musician . The most important influence to me growing up was my own teacher Ernestine Healy . Without her I wouldn’t have the “Grá “ for Irish music . I always wanted to learn concertina and without her I wouldn’t be playing to this day . She brought me from a young girl who was eager to learn to teaching me everything I know . Her encouragement and support to me as I grew as a musician is something I hold close to then heart . Her words of wisdom and critic are something I use myself with my own students to this day .
How long have you been playing in Doolin and where do you usually play in the village?
I have been playing in Doolin on and off for about 10 years but more consistently since I moved here myself permanently 2 years ago . I am lucky to have the opportunity to play in a few of the pubs in Doolin but Fitzs pub in the hotel Doolin is where you will find me regularly.
What makes Doolin so special in your opinion?
The musicians and friendship I have met since I moved here full time is a dream . As a girl from Cork where you don’t have much traditional music it’s amazing to see such a small village with such life for the tradition .
Can you share a special musical memory associated with Doolin?
I have lots of amazing memories of playing in Doolin since I was young but one that stands out for me -I was very lucky years ago to have the honour of playing a tune with the late Chris Droney. Something I always wanted to do .. I also love how Doolin brings musicians together from far and near! you never know who you might meet in the village for a few tunes.
Thank you so much to Aoíbheann for joining us on meet the musicians. Be sure to say hello to her the next time you see her playing music in the village!
Read Next: 9 Travel Tips for Planning an Adventure to Doolin
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