St. Brigid’s Concert: The Friel Sisters

The Friel Sisters, Anna, Sheila and Clare Friel are traditional musicians from Donegal in the Northwest of Ireland. Brought up in the Donegal diaspora of Glasgow, the girls have remained deeply connected to their Donegal roots, playing a mixture of music interspersed with songs in English and Irish, many from their family repertoire. They have released 2 albums thus far, playing all over the world in various venues and festivals and have appeared on stage and toured with acts such as Altan, The Chieftains, Lúnasa and Sharon Shannon. The girls have won many prestigious titles and competitions over the years, including Trophée Loïc Raison at Festival Interceltique de Lorient and most recently Clare receiving the huge honour of TG4 Young Musician of the Year/Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana.

The Friel Sisters are joined by Marty Barry, guitar player and singer from Banbridge, Co. Down and Cathal Ó Curráin, bouzouki player and singer from Gaoth Dobhair, near the girls family home in Donegal who was recently awarded Best Emerging Artist for 2022 at the RTÉ Folk Awards in Dublin.

“Exquisite, beautiful and intuitive. An impressive young bunch with fabulous taste and impeccable chops” – Irish Echo, New York

“Fresh and invigorating” – Boston Irish Reporter