Trad musicians from Stockton's Wing, Beoga, Boxing Banjo, Bridín & more to perform on The Late Late Show

This Friday night's Late Late Show will host a special TradFest music session with some of the country’s most celebrated Irish musicians.

TradFest 2022 takes place from January 26th until January 30th in Temple Bar, Dublin. The festival aims to celebrate Irish identity through trad music, bringing together established and emerging talent for a brilliant annual event. Having kicked off in 2005, the event has grown to draw international crowds.

Mike Hanrahan of Stockton's Wing, Niamh Dunne from Beoga, Boxing Banjo's Dara & Mick Healy, Bridín, Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh of Altan plus Séamus & Caoimhe Ui Fhlatharta are among the musicians slated to perform during the show.

Stockton's Wing was formed in 1977 by four All-Ireland champion musicians. The current line-up comprises Paul Roche on flute/whistle, Maurice Lennon on fiddle, Tommy Hayes on bodhran, and Kieran Hanrahan on banjo/mandolin. The outfit released their self-titled first album in 1978, followed by 1980's Take A Chance. Overall, the band have shared 14 collections, live albums and studio albums. The most recent was 2020's A Beautiful Affair: A Stockton's Wing Retrospective.

Folk stars Beoga were formed in County Kerry in 2002 at the All-Ireland Fleadh, although the original four members of the band hail from Antrim and Derry. The line-up features Damian McKee on accordion, multi-instrumentalist Seán Óg Graham, pianist Liam Bradley and Eamon Murray on bodhrán. Niamh Dunne, from Limerick, joined in 2005, on vocals and fiddle.

Comprising four accomplished Irish musicians, Boxing Banjo is one of the most exciting acts on the Irish traditional music scene. Together they conjure a unique blend of traditional Irish music and song, old time and bluegrass music. Combining a myriad of instruments, their high-energy performances encapsulate a raw passion for their music.

Altan's origins span 30 years, beginning in Donegal. In 1987, lead vocalist Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her husband Frankie Kennedy came together to start a trad/folk band, and have since released 12 studio albums. Bridín is a contemporary folk harpist/singer/composer who hails from Sligo. Her new 'Ocean of Stars' virtual EP out now.

Following fresh changes to Covid restrictions and the continuing high number of infections across the country, Taoiseach Micheál Martin will provide an update on the current situation on managing the outbreak of Covid-19.

Watch The Late Late Show on Friday night at 9.35pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.