Eilish Byrne-Whelehan

Representing The UK traditional music fraternity as our “Elder Fiddler” is the one and only Eilish Byrne-Whelehan. Eilish needs no introduction across the traditional music scene in Ireland, UK and much further afield. With her parents hailing from Co Offaly who moved London in the 1970s, Eilish has a remarkable track record as a five times All Ireland Fiddle champion.

Over the past number of decades, Eilish immersed herself in teaching legions of young musicians across London and further afield, was and is very proactive in the Comhaltas movement in the UK. Eilish has dedicated so much of her life outside work to the promotion, education and growth of traditional music across the UK and further afield.

 Eilish is the director of Feith an Cheoil School of Music, London and the musical director of The London Celtic Youth orchestra. In recent years (and as a very poignant tribute to her much beloved husband, Justin) who sadly passed away at a such untimely age, Eilish has re-established the Fiddler of London in his honour. In just a few short years, The Fiddler of London is now regarded as THE premium traditional fiddle competition outside of Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. Some might even contest it is the number one accolade to aspire to in the world of Irish traditional fiddling.

We could not have found a more deserving individual to represent the UK traditional music family in fiddling than Eilish Byrne. We welcome Eilish to Monaghan for Féile Oriel 2023 and you will get the opportunity to see her perform over the course of the weekend.