Iconic RTE Radio 1's Ceili House to broadcast from Offaly pub this Saturday night
A special celebration of Offaly's rich musical heritage recorded at John Lee's Bar & Venue in Tullamore
Traditional music, song and storytelling take centre stage when RTÉ Radio 1's Céilí House visits Tullamore for a special programme recorded at the renowned John Lee's Bar & Venue. This is the second of two recordings from John Lee's Bar & Venue.
Presented by Tristan Rosenstock, the programme offers a vibrant snapshot of traditional music in County Offaly, bringing together established performers, festival organisers, community figures and emerging young talent from across the county.
Leading the musical proceedings are the Ard Eiscir Céilí Band & Friends, under the direction of James Hogan, performing a selection of reels and jigs that showcase the strength of the Midlands tradition. The programme also features music from Michael, Eimear and Paddy Buckley, from Ballyboy, whose family and community connections have long been part of Offaly's musical landscape.
Listeners will hear from acclaimed singer Tadhg Maher, from Ballyskenach outside Roscrea, winner of twenty All-Ireland titles and a performer who has represented Irish traditional music around the world, as he reflects on his musical journey and performs the much-loved song Barr na Sráide.
The programme also highlights the continuing success of Tullamore TradFest, with festival chairperson Tommy Craven discussing how the event has transformed Tullamore into one of Ireland's leading destinations for traditional music enthusiasts each spring.
Venue owner John Lee shares stories of growing up in a family steeped in traditional music and reflects on the role Lee's has played in supporting live music and session culture for generations and Joe Lee himself has a few words with Tristan.
Further musical contributions come from David Bracken, Donal Ryan, Seamus Kinsella, Jack Scully and Mark Bracken, a group of South Offaly musicians whose friendship and shared love of traditional music shine through in their performances.
Representing the next generation are sisters Alice and Lucy Molloy from Ballyboy Comhaltas, whose music and song demonstrate the bright future of the tradition in County Offaly.
Produced by Martina McGlynn, who is from Daingean, this special edition of Céilí House celebrates the people, places and communities that continue to nurture traditional music in Offaly and beyond.