Glenties is an inspiration for double All-Ireland champion Sorcha Rodgers
Sorcha enjoys learning Irish traditional tunes in Glenties and plays alongside some of the finest musicians in the county
Talented Sorcha Rodgers enjoyed great success at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Mullingar last weekend taking the All-Ireland in two categories in the u/15 flute competitions.
The daughter of Phillip Rodgers of Glenties and Helene Hennessy of New Ross, Sorcha found inspiration for her music listening to great musicians such as the Campbell brothers, Jimmy and Vincent, on her trips to Glenties. She also loves playing alongside and listening to the great musicianship of Jimmy's son, Peter Campbell.
Sorcha accompanied Jimmy Campbell during quite a few music sessions on her frequent trips to Glenties and says she loves the traditional music of the Glenties area. The local musicians have always been a source of inspiration to her, she says.
Sorcha is also related to local driving instructor Tony Dooley and his wife Helena of The Rock in Glenties. Tony originally hails from Tullagher in Kilkenny and is Sorcha's grand uncle. A distinct love of music is also present in Tony's family both in Glenties and in Kilkenny, so it comes as little surprise that Sorcha has excelled in the musical field.
She said: "There is always music in Glenties. When I am up there I am always inspired to play."
Sorcha's success ensured she was invited to play a few sets on TG4 over the course of the weekend. Sorcha is also a very gifted fiddle player.