SFF 2025 - Evening Concert - Friday 14 November

Information

Doors open at 7:00pm

Fergal Scahill & Fabian Joyce

Fergal Scahill is one of Ireland’s most accomplished and versatile musicians, celebrated for his mastery of multiple instruments, his deep roots in traditional music, and his ability to connect with audiences worldwide. Hailing from Corofin, Co. Galway, his musical journey began at the age of three when he picked up the bodhrán, winning his first Connaught Fleadh title by age six. He went on to claim numerous All-Ireland titles across various instruments, solidifying his reputation as a prodigious talent.

Fergal’s career has spanned over three decades, performing with internationally renowned groups such as Ragus, Celtic Legends, and The David Munnelly Band. In 2012, he joined We Banjo 3, a groundbreaking ensemble that redefined Irish folk music, earning critical acclaim and selling out venues across four continents. Their debut album, Roots of the Banjo Tree, was awarded Album of the Year by The Irish Times, and the band went on to perform for dignitaries including President Michael D. Higgins and President Barack Obama.

As a solo artist, Fergal has released a series of acclaimed albums, including The Dusty Bridge, Wayfaring, and One Day: November Woods with Ryan Molloy. His collaborative spirit has led him to work with some of the most respected musicians in folk and bluegrass, including Béla Fleck, Máirtín O’Connor, Sharon Shannon, Billy Strings, and Sierra Hull.

In addition to his performance career, Fergal is a dedicated educator, sharing his knowledge with students around the world. He has taught at prestigious institutions and festivals, including the University of Limerick’s Masters program, O’Flaherty Retreat in Texas, Milwaukee and Dublin Irish Fest Summer Schools, Scoil Acla, and Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party in Canada. His teaching style, rooted in a deep understanding of traditional music, is known for inspiring musicians of all levels.

Beyond the stage and classroom, Fergal is a passionate advocate for using music as a force for good. His Tune a Day Project, launched in 2017, has captivated millions online, while his charity albums for Pieta House and the Hope Foundation have raised vital funds for mental health and humanitarian causes.

In 2024, Fergal continues to expand his artistic horizons, collaborating with Róisín El Cherif, Noriana Kennedy, and Palestinian artists as part of the Galway Trad Fest. Whether on stage, in the studio, or through his educational work, Fergal remains a passionate storyteller, carrying the heart of Irish music to audiences worldwide.

Fabian Joyce

Co-Founder of Anam Music Therapy​, Fabian is an accomplished musician, performing and touring across the globe for many years. After working as a team manager in the construction industry for twenty years, Fabian's passion for music and people led him back to higher education. He completed the MA Music Therapy at the University of Limerick, where he graduated in 2020 with a first class honours degree.

Grace Smith & Sam Sweeney

Sam Sweeney and Grace Smith are two of England’s leading fiddle players, known for their powerful, expressive playing and deep connection to traditional music. Sam, a BBC Folk Award winner and veteran of Bellowhead and Leveret, has been called “Britain’s Premier Fiddler” (Songlines), while Grace, a rising star with her acclaimed trio and work with Katie Doherty & the Navigators, brings a fresh, creative voice to the tradition. Both are passionate educators and innovative performers, combining archive inspiration with new compositions to create music that is richly rooted and boldly contemporary. Together, Sam and Grace form a dynamic musical partnership, offering audiences an intricate blend of tradition and creativity, shaped by deep expertise, mutual respect, and an infectious love for English folk music.