At Fleadh na hÉireann in Wexford this year, Ard-Ollamh 2024 is Domhnall De Barra, of Athea. Domhnall, a champion button accordion player, whistle and flute player and also traditional singer, served two terms as Uachtarán CCÉ. An exponent of his native West Limerick style of music, Domhnall played for Céilithe throughout Ireland and was a member of the famed Liverpool Céilí Band. A highly regarded teacher and adjudicator and author, Domhnall also represented CCÉ and Ireland on tours overseas to destinations in Britain, USA, Canada and Korea. Domhnall De Barra has represented the heart of the tradition throughout his life and continues to inspire future generations of musicians and enthusiasts.
Locally, he is known for his organisational skills, community involvement and his renowned teaching of music. He is, without a doubt, responsible for honing the skills of many of our great local musicians who, in turn, became teachers of West Limerick and regional styles taught by Domhnall, ensuring the continuation of the music of the area. He continues to work with the local Newsletter and has served at every level of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, giving much of his life to promoting the cultural traditions of our country. Still an active member of his local branch and the national organisation, the Ard Ollamh Award is a recognition of his lifetime of work in the traditional arts and there’s none more deserving than the man himself.
“I’m looking forward to the night” he told the Weekly Observer. “The family are scattered all over the world, but we’ll all be together that night for the occasion. I’ll take part in a concert too.” Asking if he still played as much as ever, he said, “Ah yes, sure we’re playing sessions all the time.” Not surprising, since music has been his lifelong love.
Domhnall will be awarded on Wednesday, August 7th at Clayton Whites Hotel in Wexford during this year’s All-Ireland Fleadh na hÉireann. Tickets can be booked at www.fleadhcheoil.ie.
Huge congratulations to Domhnall, and we wish him the very best on the night.