Things are looking up for one of Sligo’s finest trad groups
LOCAL band the ‘ Dartry Céilí Band’ released their second album ‘ Making Tracks’ last week.
The band is comprised of Philip Duffy, Michael Rooney, Declan Folan, Mossie Martin, John Kilkenny, Sean Carroll, June McCormack, Cian Kearins, Noelle Carroll, Kevin Brehony & Damien McGuinness all of which hail from Sligo.
In 2010 they recorded their first album ‘ The Kilavil Post’ which received excellent reviews both in Ireland and outside of Ireland, particularly in the UK and in the United States.
The album reflects “their Sligo roots” and included a variety of trad selections including songs from their singers Cian Kearins and Noelle Carroll
The band was originally formed in 2007. The Dartry Céilí Band has appeared on RTE’s The Late Late Show, including them becoming the first performers ever outside the house band to play the theme music, TV3’ s Morning Ireland, TG4’ s Geantraí Christmas Night Special.
The band have performed with trad legends like Paul Brady, Matt Molloy, Liam Flynn, Arty McGlynn and others.
The Dartry won the All- Ireland Senior Céilí Band competition at Fleadh Cheoil Na Héireann in Tullamore in 2009 and would be hoping to do the same this year on home turf.
Last summer they performed for The President Michael D. Higgins and his family at Áras an Uachtaráin. As well as playing concerts and céilís in Ireland & the UK the Dartry also did a tour of the United States in 2012.
The Dartry performed at the Sligo Park Hotel at the recent concert to officially launch the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo.
Last Saturday night, the returned to the spiritual home of trad in Sligo when they visit the Róisín Dubh in Gurteen to launch the new album.