Micheal Queally and Cyril O'Donoghue...The Trip Over The Mountain

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Traditional Music From The Heart Of Co. Clare

Michael Queally and Cyril O'Donoghue are two Clare musicians often found in the session circuit in Ireland. In the past year they have recorded an album called the Trip over the Mountain. This album was released in conjunction with a tour they were doing in Italy with the Birkin Tree who were Italian award winners in folk music circles in 1997.

Reviews....

"letting the music flow in its natural unfettered state"

"no holds barred album of pure traditional music"

"The combination of fiddle/ bouzouki/guitar emits a raw driving excitement"

"vocal work on the title track and the recasting of The Wild Rover finds an interpreter of a fresh intuitive quality"

"West Clare style traditional music in its natural state handled with due care and sensitivity by two of its finest younger musicians"

From Folk Roots Magazine UK

Michael comes from Inagh Co. Clare and is the fiddle player with the group. In the past Inagh has had strong links with traditional music producing other fine musicians such as Joe Ryan and Garrett Barry. This tradition is also reflected in Michael's fiddle playing. To date he has four albums recorded , one with the Gold Ring céili band, two with a group called Moher, one of these albums is due for release later this year, and the Trip Over the Mountain. "no holds barred album of pure traditional music"

Cyril originally comes from Ennis, Co. Clare but now resides in Shannon. Cyril is the group's Guitar player, Bouzouki player and singer. Cyril's background is also steeped in traditional music with both his father and his brother also being well respected musicians in the Clare area. Cyril played with Tradaree in the late 70's and early 80's. At this time this band toured and played support to such artists as Christy Moore. More recently, however, Cyril has featured in many albums such as Tomas MacEoin, The Artful Lodgers, Tola Custy and Ice Nine. He played with Tommy Peoples in his national tour in 1996 and at present is also a member of Fisher Street.

RATIONALE FOR RECORDING THE ALBUM

When learning the fiddle I used to visit regularly my local pub in Inagh, a little village in County Clare. Here played three well loved local musicians namely Paddy Murphy (R.I.P.) on concertina, Tom Eustace (R.I.P.) on fiddle, and last but not least Michael Kelleher on fiddle.

While visiting Inagh I learned many tunes, most of which I have rarely heard since. Most of this music was recorded in old 78's of Michael Coleman, Sean Ryan and the likes.

Since the session in Inagh finished, I have ventured further afield, learning new music from various sources such as fleadhs, Doolin musicians, and many gatherings in Miltown Malbay. However the older tunes, which I felt had so much to offer to Irish music, had been forgotten.

With the help of Michael Kelleher and Joe Rynne, I compiled a programme for a CD, including as many as possible of the "old greats".

Cyril O'Donoghue has included three beautiful songs in the album also, including his version of the Wild Rover.

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