Gerry O’Connor is from Dundalk, Co. Louth, where he grew up in a family of musicians, dancers and singers, all taught by his mother, Rose. From an early age Gerry was involved in Irish music, winning numerous All Ireland awards in a range of duets, trios and céilí band titles. Gerry is a four time winner of the Fiddler of Oriel competition, and in 2018 Gerry was awarded the “Ceannródaí” the prestigious Bardic Award by Comhaltas for his valued contribution to the Trad Arts. He also launched his second solo album “Last Nights Joy“ and published ”The Rose in the Gap” Dance Music of Oriel from the Donnellan Collection, not heard for a hundred years. Gerry has performed and recorded with his bands LáLúgh,Skylark, and Oirialla, and toured and recorded with members of Boys of the Lough, The Chieftains, Bothy Band, and more. LáLugh’s album Brighid’s Kiss was voted Album of the Year in1996 by readers of Irish Music magazine, and Gerry’s solo CD Journeyman was rated in the top five Albums of 2004 by The Irish Times. This critically acclaimed recording was heralded as a milestone in the recorded music of the Oriel region of South Ulster. Unanimously considered a master fiddler by his peers, Gerry tours the world teaching and performing solo at festivals, in halls ,and higher education institutions,and with the iconic Irish Rovers. He will perform at tonight’s event with Kevin McElroy.
