Cup of Tae Festival to honour Kevin O’Donnell in opening night concert

Ardrara’s Cup of Tae Festival is set to honour renowned traditional musician, teacher and music shop owner Kevin O’Donnell.

The festival runs from Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5 and is held in honour of fiddler Johnny The Tae Doherty. Ardara plays host to musicians from all over the world who travel to participate in concerts, sessions, and classes.

READ NEXT: Donegal journalist Aoife Breslin wins prestigious travel-writing award

READ NEXT: Homecoming for Donegal’s Irish Dance World Champion Jane Quinn

As well as being honoured in the opening night festival concert, Kevin will lead the school of music.

Ardara’s Stephen McCahill told Donegal Live: “The concert on the opening night is being organised by Kevin and his friends. It is always a very emotional night, and we are looking forward to it.

“The school of music has had a very strong response too.

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone, including some big names from all over the country. 

The festival continues throughout the bank holiday weekend, with numerous events on the streets and in venues around the town. 

The full programme can be found at thecupoftaefestival.ie/

About Kevin O’Donnell

The organising committee say: “Kevin O’Donnell is a distinguished traditional Irish musician whose career is a testament to his profound dedication to the rich heritage of Irish music. 

“Hailing from Dunkineely, Kevin’s musical roots run deep, having learned much of his craft in his younger years from the renowned music teacher Seamus Sweeney of Ballyshannon and his relatives, the distinguished Campbell Fiddlers from Glenties.

“In his later educational years when studying music in Derry, Kevin was greatly influenced and mentored by master fiddler and multi-instrumentalist, Maurice Bradley from Ballinascreen, Co Derry. He also has many influences from the local Dunkineeky area including box player Martin Wilson, guitarist Denny Coleman and of course his own brother, teo-time TG4 Gradam Ceoil award recipient, Aidan O’Donnell.

“This familial and local connection has imbued his music with a unique authenticity and passion that resonates with audiences worldwide.

“Kevin has had the honour of performing over the years with some of the countries most renowned traditional Irish musicians and groups such as, Mairead Ni Mhaoinaigh, Fidil and the legendary Chieftains, as well as folk artists such as Derek Warfield and the young Wolfe Tones, and the Dublin City Ramblers. These collaborations have enriched his musical journey and solidified his reputation as a versatile musician. 

“He has performed at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, including concert halls and opera houses all over Ireland, America, Canada, Asia, Russia, the UK, and Australia. He has also performed at some of the world’s top festivals such as Milwaukee Irish Music Festival, USA; the Portarlington Irish Festival, Australia; and Frankfurt Irish Fest in Germany. Kevin has performed numerous times on national and international radio and television, across Europe, the UK, Australia, and America.

“Currently, Kevin’s primary focus is his Music School, O’Donnell School of Music, where he teaches over 100 students of all ages and abilities, on a wide range of instruments, mainly guitar, fiddle, banjo, whistle, mandolin and bodhran. He also imparts his knowledge in primary schools throughout south and south west Donegal.

“In recent years, the music school has celebrated several notable achievements. The school has had many winners at Fleadh and Feiseannas, as well as many appearances on radio and TV. Many of the senior students have progressed to study music degrees at third level and he has also established a traditional Irish marching band. 

“Kevin collaborates frequently with Cairdeas Na BhFidiléirí, with the highlight of the year being the Dunkineely fiddle festival in November. Additionally, the school facilitates uilleann pipe classes in Dunkineely through collaboration with Na Píopairí Uilleann, Dublin, where students from the area are taught by some of the country’s most esteemed pipers.

“Whether performing on grand stages, sessions or at intimate gatherings, Kevin O’Donnell continues to inspire and delight audiences with his extraordinary talent and deep love for the music of Ireland. His contributions to the world of traditional Irish music are truly invaluable, and his legacy as a musician and educator will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.”