Tony O'Connell

Tony O'Connell hailes from Glin in West Limerick, an area rich in tradition situated just north of the Sliabh Luachra region of Ireland. He began playing music at the age of ten and won the All-Ireland concertina under-18 titles for three consecutive years and then went on to win the prestigious senior all-Ireland titles aged 18. His distinctive yet traditional style can be described as a steady pulsating rhythm – characteristic for the west of Ireland – while he sets himself apart from other players due to his melodic and harmonic variations, polyphonic playing and his strong dynamic expression.

Being a professional musician for over 20 years, Tony has toured Europe, Asia and America, and has collaborated with some of the most acknowledged players from within the Irish music tradition.

He recorded his first album in 2005 with Leitrim fiddle player Andy Morrow accompanied by guitar player Arty McGlynn. This album was voted number two in the Irish Echo 'Ceol' column's albums of the year and is surely one of the best traditional duo-albums ever recorded.

 

Three years later he went on to record his second album with legendary fiddle player Ben Lennon, who again hails from Co. Leitrim. This album is called Rossinver Braes after one of his brother Charlie Lennon's original tunes featured on the recording. Both albums have had great reviews and acknowledgements throughout the Irish traditional music world over the last few years