MUSICIANS FROM across Ireland will gather to honour "the master of the melodeon", Johnny Connolly, at a special event in the Park Lodge Hotel, An Spidéal, tomorrow at 9pm.
Performing at In Ómós Johnny will be the great accordionist Máirtin O'Connor, John Carty, Marcus Ó hIarnáin and family, Seamus Begley, Mary Shannon, Joe Burke, folk singer-songwriter Don Stiffe, Liam O'Connor, Charlie and Eilís Lennon, fiddlers Liz and Yvonne Kane, Meaití Jó Shéamuis, Mick Foster, Harry Bradley, Colm and Kelly Gannon, Caitríona and Pól Ó Ceannabháin, Neansaí Ní Choistealbha, and others.
Originally from Inis Bearacháin, Johnny Connolly is celebrated for his vivacious and rhythmic playing, which has been captured on such albums as his solo debut An tOileán Aerach; Drioball na Fáinleoige with Charlie Lennon and Steve Cooney; An Mileoidean Scaoilte; and Seoda na nOileán with Marcus Ó hIarnáin.
Since 1976 he has since lived in Cor na Rón, Connemara, with his wife Patricia. They have three children - renowned accordion player, Johnny Óg Connolly; Jimmy Connolly, a TV editor; and Mary Ellen, a teacher.
Tickets are €10 and available through Tigh Giblin, An Spidéal; and Taaffes Bar, Tigh Choilí and The Crane Bar, in Galway.
