Darina Gleeson is a 16 year old student in Loreto Secondary School in Wexford and has been singing from the age of 6. Darina would have picked up her singing from two of the very best, Ann Mulqueen as An Rinn, Co Phort Láirge and local singing guru Paddy Berry. An All Ireland Winner in 2004 in Clonmel, Darina also plays music with the all-conquering Danescastle Music Group under the direction of Áine Kennedy and Martha Torpey.

Paddy Berry is one of the most prominent ballad singers, songwriters and song and folklore collectors of his generation. He has played a huge part in the revival of traditional music, song and dance in Ireland over the past 50 years. This labour of love has been acknowledged not only by his many friends and admirers, but also earned Paddy a special lifetime achievement award from The President of Ireland, Mary Mc Aleese in 2003. Paddy has released 3 collections of recordings and his two print tomes of collections of County Wexford Ballads are historical and folklore treasures. Born and raised in Scar, Duncormick, Paddy Berry lives in Drinagh, on the outskirts of Wexford Town. See www.paddyberry.com.

Elaine Gleeson first began singing at age 6 with Bridget Casey in Carrig on Bannow singing “The Town of Duncormick”. Like her younger sister Darina, she studied singing as Gaeilge with Ann Mulqueen in Ring, Co. Waterford and has many national titles to her credit. Currently studying Music in The Conservatory of Music and Drama in Rathmines, Elaine is a qualified Fiddle Teacher.

Paul O’Reilly is a singer, lilter, musician and writer from Enniscorthy. An All-Ireland Bodhrán Champion in 1990, and a Champion lilter, Paul released his debut solo album, ‘Take a Wish’, in 2003. One reviewer wrote: Paul O’Reilly is a powerfully melodic singer, with a masterful touch. He takes us down a diverse musical road that is paved with expressive lyrics and richly woven accompaniments. See www.pauloreilly.com for more.

Helen Kirwan was raised in a townland called Meaugh, close to “Bookey’s Stream”, “The Harrow” and “Boolavogue”, famed in history and in song. A regular on Local & National radio, Helen has recorded and released her own album and also participated with other family members in the acclaimed “With Pike In Hand”. In 1998 Helen sang “Boolavogue” at the official commemorations in Enniscorthy and for the ‘98 Pageant in Wexford, following in the footsteps of her late father, Art Sinnott, who performed the same song in the 1948 production. In the same summer Helen also performed for President of Ireland Mary McAleese on the “Bright May Meadows” of Boolavogue. Helen is one of the leading members of the Ferns Traditional Singing Group.

Niall Wall comes from Enniscorthy, and he won the coveted All-Ireland Mens Senior Singing Title in 2007. While best known as a traditional singer, he has also performed in cabaret as a soloist and has featured in lead roles in musical theatre productions with Enniscorthy Musical Society. His achievements would include All-Ireland titles for singing and song writing and Niall has also featured on Radio & TV programmes in Ireland & abroad. Active for most of his life in the Arts in general and in particular traditional music and song, Niall is a regular performer in pubs and on street corners all over Ireland.

Photos by Ger Carty