Connecticut Debut

Coming For Irish Duo

On Saturday, September 25, at 8 pm, Newtown Meeting House will be host to an intimate evening of some of the very best of traditional Irish music in this beautiful, colonial setting. Draiocht (pronounced “dree-uckt”), consisting of two of Ireland’s most renowned young musicians – Michael Rooney on Irish harp and concertina and June McCormack on flute – will be making its Connecticut debut at the meeting house that evening.

Mr Rooney, from County Monaghan, is internationally recognized on both harp and concertina, and one of the country’s foremost young composers. A Senior All-Ireland Champion, he has won numerous international awards as well. He also has recorded and toured with many renowned artists, including The Chieftains, appearing on their Grammy Award winning CD The Celtic Harp.

June McCormack hails from County Sligo and is also an All-Ireland Champion on flute. She has toured extensively with the prestigious Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann tour, and in 1998 was the recipient of the renowned Young Traditional Musician Of The Year award by TG4, Ireland’s national television.

Last year Draiochy released its debut CD as a duo to much-heralded acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic.

The concert is hosted by The Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society, a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to promoting and presenting the very finest in Irish music.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. For reservations or more information about the concert, call 203-256-8453 or send email to TMQuinn@optonline.net.