THE renowned McClean Family will take to the stage at Donaghadee Golf Club on Friday, October 17, for a special evening of music and community spirit.
Everyone is welcome to attend what promises to be a memorable night of traditional folk and family harmony in a performance in support of Donaghadee In Bloom.
The McClean Family, from Bangor, has been entertaining audiences at home and abroad for nearly four decades.
Their unique brand of traditional folk music remains as vibrant and engaging today as when they first began.
With regularly more than 20 performers across three generations — joined by family founders Donard and Christine McClean — this event will showcase the heart and heritage of Northern Irish folk tradition.
At the helm are husband and wife team, Niall McClean, an All-Ireland fiddle champion, and Bronagh McClean, both celebrated names in the traditional music community throughout Ireland and beyond, having performed, taught and collaborated across multiple genres for more than 20 years.
Niall said: “We’re all really looking forward to playing in Donaghadee and helping raise some funds for the Donaghadee In Bloom, which helps celebrate this fantastic Co Down town.
“I hope our music, like the flowers it will help fund, will help brighten the spirits as we head into winter. We have a lot of fun playing on stage together which comes down to the sheer love of music and the joy of being with each other.
“There can be up to 25 of us playing music together when we all turn up. My mum and dad, Christine and Donard and us nine siblings plus our partners and our kids all play, so it’s always a great session.
“And on Friday, there will be plenty of us to get the music going at the Donaghadee Golf Club.
“We’d love to see as many people come along as possible whether just to enjoy the evening or learn a bit more about traditional music and how we perform. What’s guaranteed is that it’s going to be a great night.”
Niall has performed on two successful U.S. tours with The Irish Tenors, appearing in over 20 states, and has shared the stage with some of Ireland’s leading artists, including Sharon Shannon, Beoga, Tommy Fleming, Frankie Gavin and De Dannan, and Planxty at an international festival in Holland.
A specialist in accompanying dancers, Niall is also a familiar face at local Irish dance festivals and has played lead fiddle at the Ulster Dance Championships numerous times.
He recently performed alongside Brendan De Gallaí, former principal dancer and director of Riverdance, and Lauren Smyth, the current Riverdance lead, and has featured in RTE productions performing his own compositions, as well as on multiple TV and radio broadcasts across Ireland and Europe.
This special concert has been organised by Donaghadee Community Development Association in partnership with Donaghadee Golf Club.
Tickets, priced at £15, are available now from Donaghadee Golf Club and Kate at Dunn’s Footwear. For guests wishing to dine on the night, please phone 028 9188 3624 (option 5) to reserve your table.
