About Us

Derek McGinley & Tara Connaghan

Tara and Derek, having played together for many years in sessions, on stage and in various projects, have developed a repertoire and form that respects both their styles. Both are well respected fiddlers among their peers, Derek from Glencolmcille and Tara from Glenties.

In 2003 they worked on a project featuring the music and memories of Packie Manus Byrne for RTE’s The Raw Bar series and several duets were recorded in Packie Manus’ house in Ardara that featured in the episode.

They toured Finland during 2007 at the Finnish Irish Festival specifically showcasing the music of south west Donegal.

They both facilitated and performed in the ‘Lovely Weather’ 2010 Public Art residency of Donegal County Council with Soft Day artists Sean Taylor (Limerick School of Art and Design) and Mikael Fernstrom (University of Limerick).

Both Derek and Tara teach annually at the Cairdeas na bhFidileírí fiddle summer school in Glencolmcille and Glenties Fiddlers’ Weekend and they show huge respect for passing on the music of the area to ensure it continues and remains a strong focus in the locality.