Adele Commins & Daithi Kearney: A Louth LIlt

Growing up in Louth, Adèle Commins developed a deep love of local heritage and of traditional music under the influence of her teacher Rory Kennedy. Playing both piano and piano accordion, she began composing at a young age, with many of her tunes inspired by the people and places around her, as well as her experiences of playing in local céilí bands. Her music studies at NUI Maynooth facilitated her move full circle and in 2015 she was appointed Head of Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music at Dundalk Institute of Technology, where she had been Head of Music since 2008.

Kerryman Daithí Kearney arrived in Dundalk in 2011 to lecture in Irish traditional music. A banjo and mandolin player with a keen interest in regional traditions, he quickly became involved in various aspects of music making in Co. Louth. Having previously released the album Midleton Rare with accordion player John Cronin influenced by the musical heritage of Sliabh Luachra, he teamed up with Adèle to explore the music of the Oriel region and they began to share their own compositions