TG4's Slí na mBeaglaoich arrives in Mayo

TG4's Slí na mBeaglaoich sees renowned west Kerry traditional musicians, father and son Breanndán and Cormac Ó Beaglaoich, travel up the west coast from Kerry to Donegal in their 40-year-old camper van, Beauty, on a journey of musical discovery.

In this exciting six-part traditional music series, they meet with friends old and new, traditional musicians and artists as they embark on a trip of a lifetime. In an eye-opening journey, they unearth some of the most exciting musicians, singers and dancers of the Wild Atlantic Way.

The third episode on Sunday, May 17, at 9.30 p.m. sees the lads and their camper van arrive in Mayo, where Cormac and Breanndán take in the sights of Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay with friend and local flute player, Tim McHugh, who is joined for a set of tunes by fiddler John Hoban.

Tim then brings them to meet his musical heroes’ collector and accordion player Alan Morrisroe and Paddy Joe Tighe. They explain where they learned their music and how it continues to be passed on through the generations.

Cormac and Breanndán cross over the water to Achill Island and Breanndán joins singer Graham Sweeney for a dip in the sea. They learn of Scoil Acla’s history with local legend John ‘The Twin’ McNamara.

After marching with the Achill Pipers, award-winning harpist and friend Laoise Kelly, TG4 Musician of the Year 2020, and her son Caoilte send them to bed with a tune.

In Westport they call in to the famous Matt Molloy’s for a pint and a tune from Peter Molloy and Sean Regan before heading to Westport House. Their Mayo trip comes to an end with music from singing group Coda and accordion virtuoso, Fiachna Ó Mongáin and fiddler, Jessica Zeigler.

Slí na mBeaglaoich is produced by Tyrone Productions.

* Pictured are Achill Pipe Band members.