SLIDE & POLKA WORKSHOP
At Fleadh na Mumhan 1997 in Abbeyfeale, the Munster Slide and Polka playing workshops were initiated and have proved invaluable over the years to ensure the promotion of the playing of polkas and slides in the province.
This workshop is always tutored by a well-known Sliabh Luachra musician and takes places each year in conjunction with Scoil Fonn agus Amhráin.
Polkas and Slides are an integral part of the musical heritage in Munster and these annual workshops will help to ensure the continuation of this aspect of our musical heritage into the future.
Friday, July 14th: 10am-4pm
OPEN TO ALL INSTRUMENTS & AGES
Bryan O’Leary comes from the townland of Tureencahill half way between Ballydesmond and Gneeveguilla, in the heart of Sliabh Luachra.
He started playing the accordion at the age of 10, shortly after his grandfather, the great accordionist Johnny O’Leary, passed away.
As Bryan progressed on the accordion, he began learning his grandfather’s music by ear and researching Johnny’s music and old recordings. This greatly improved his repertoire and knowledge of Sliabh Luachra music. In fact it should come as no surprise that he has a keen interest in the local Sliabh Luachra style of playing.
Bryan was awarded the TG4 Young Musician of the Year award in 2014 and has recently released his debut recording
