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Fáilte isteach to another episode of Music at Madden’s with Lynette Fay.
Joining us in the snug this week — though not quite in the snug this time — are Deirdre and Clodagh of Déanta, recorded live at Lír Sessions in Ballycastle.
For this special episode, the Music at Madden’s team travelled north to Yarn in Ballycastle for the first of two live podcasts recorded in front of an audience as part of Lír Sessions, a festival celebrating traditional music.
Deirdre and Clodagh look back on their years with Déanta, the much-loved County Antrim traditional group who brought their music to stages across Ireland, Europe and beyond. The band released three albums on the Green Linnet label — Déanta, Ready for the Storm and Whisper of a Secret — and became known for blending traditional tunes and songs with fresh, thoughtful arrangements.
In this conversation, they talk about how the band first came together, life on the road, reunion concerts, and how the traditional music world has changed since Déanta were first making their mark. They also reflect on how refreshing it was to come to Ballycastle and see an event like Lír Sessions bringing musicians, audiences and the wider trad community together in such a special setting.
A warm live episode full of stories, memories, music and chat from Yarn in Ballycastle.
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Fáilte isteach to another episode of Music at Madden’s Podcast with me, Lynette Fay.
Joining us in the snug this week is the one and only Gino Lupari — bodhrán player extraordinaire, storyteller, comedian, and long-time member of the legendary Four Men and a Dog.
In this episode, Gino takes us through a life in music, from discovering the bodhrán, learning from greats like Séamus Kane and Arty McGlynn, and forming Four Men and a Dog, to touring the world, meeting The Band, recording in Woodstock, and eventually stepping out on his own with his solo album No Turning Back.
As always with Gino, the conversation could go anywhere — and it does. Expect brilliant stories, plenty of laughs, reflections on friendship, performance, tradition, and what it really means to spend a lifetime “still at the music.”
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Fehlende Folgen?
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Fáilte isteach to another episode of Music at Madden’s Podcast with me, Lynette Fay.
Joining us in the snug this week are two of Ireland’s foremost traditional musicians, Pádraig Mc Govern and Sabina McCague.
Pádraig, originally from Ballymagovern on the Cavan-Leitrim border, is a renowned uilleann piper who has recorded with numerous artists over the years. His recording of Easter Snow and Sally Gally with Ryan Molloy was also shortlisted in the Best Folk Track category at the 2021 RTÉ Folk Awards.
Sabina McCague from Co. Monaghan is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, equally at home on harp and fiddle. She has performed across Ireland, Europe and the USA, and is also a respected teacher, having taught at Scoil Eigse, The Joe Mooney Summer School and The Francis O’Neill Irish Arts Festival in Chicago.
Together, Pádraig and Sabina have recently released their new album Starry Lane to Monaghan, a beautiful collection of tunes gathered from sessions, recordings, archives and their own home, reflecting their shared love of the tradition, their musical journey, and life together as husband and wife.
We had great craic recording this one, with plenty of warm husband-and-wife banter throughout, as well as a gorgeous conversation about old Irish music, the harp, the uilleann pipes, and the friendships, places and moments that shape a life in music.
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Joining us in the snug this week is prominent banjo and guitar player Stevie Dunne.
Originally from the small fishing port of Clogherhead in County Louth, Stevie now lives just outside Belfast, where he has been a pivotal figure in the traditional Irish music scene for over 20 years. Widely regarded as one of Ireland’s finest banjo players, Stevie has released three acclaimed albums: About Time in 2010, Banjo in 2012, and Live at the Crosskeys Inn in 2018.
In this episode, Stevie chats about first picking up the guitar, discovering the banjo, and the stories he has gathered from years of playing sessions and performing. He also speaks honestly about how perfectionism can often get in the way, and how the balance between work, home life and session playing now suits him perfectly.
Stevie also reflects on coming to Belfast to train as a nurse, how nursing became such an important part of his life, and why music continues to fit so naturally alongside it.
A warm, thoughtful conversation about tunes, tradition, stories, balance and finding joy in the music.
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In episode 40 of Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay welcomes Joshua Burnside to the Snug.
Joshua talks about his life in music, from discovering folk and traditional songs to developing his own distinctive sound as a songwriter. He reflects on the stories, places and people that inspire his work, the influence of Belfast, and the way songs can carry memory, identity and meaning through generations.
The conversation also touches on family, creativity, local history, and Joshua’s approach to keeping old traditions alive while still making music that feels fresh, personal and completely his own.
A thoughtful conversation with one of Ireland’s most distinctive contemporary songwriters.
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In this episode, I’m joined in the Snug by singer-songwriter, storyteller, and truth-teller David Keenan. From the very first song he wrote as a 14-year-old growing up in Dundalk—El Paso—David reflects on identity, belonging, and finding his voice in a world where he often felt like an outsider.
We talk about the power of singing in your own accent, the influence of his grandfather, and how storytelling, poetry, and music became his way of making sense of the world. David also opens up about the pressures of the music industry, his personal struggles with mental health and addiction, and the journey toward healing, self-awareness, and letting go.
There’s a deep dive into his latest album Just For Today, recorded and released in a single day, capturing a raw, spontaneous energy that reflects where he is now—grounded, honest, and creatively free.
From grassroots gigs across Ireland to the mythology of the Cooley Peninsula, this is a conversation about reconnecting—with place, with people, and with yourself.
A powerful, honest, and deeply human chat with one of Ireland’s most compelling voices.
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Welcome to another episode of Music at Madden’s Podcast with me, Lynette Fay.
This week I’m joined by acclaimed harpist Ursula Burns, also known as The Dangerous Harpist, for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation that moves between music, history, storytelling, and the natural world.
Ursula shares the remarkable story behind Dougie MacLean’s iconic song Caledonia, and its unexpected connection to her own family in Lamhóid, offering a deeply personal insight into a song that has resonated across generations.
We hear how Ursula quite literally fell into life as a harpist—touring with her mother before being handed a harp and quickly carving out her own path, leading to recording, touring, and developing a completely unique voice on the instrument.
There’s a rich discussion around the cultural history of the harp, and how harpists were once seen as social commentators—voices of their time—something Ursula feels has been lost, but is still deeply relevant today. Her own playing, shaped by an unconventional background including circus performance, brings a fresh and distinctive energy to the tradition.
Ursula also speaks about her beautiful album The Secret Melodies of Trees, exploring her connection to nature and the inspiration behind the music, as well as her current work on a powerful project centred on the life and legacy of Gráinne Mhaol—Grace O’Malley—the legendary Irish historical figure.
A captivating conversation filled with music, history, and heart.
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Welcome to another episode of Music at Madden’s Podcast with Lynette Fay.
This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Tulua — a group whose journey began through Comhaltas and their shared experience in Siansa, before evolving into one of the most exciting contemporary trad acts around.
We chat about how they first came together, the influence of their roots in Wexford and Donegal, and the journey behind their latest album. The group share insights into their song selection, how their sound continues to grow and evolve, and what it means to shape traditional music in a modern context.
There’s also a lovely connection back to Madden’s Bar, along with some thoughtful advice for young performers coming up through Comhaltas and finding their own path in music.
A warm, honest, and uplifting conversation filled with music, stories, and plenty of heart.
This episode is sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey 🥃
Discover more: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/
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Welcome to another episode of Music at Madden’s Podcast in the snug with host Lynette Fay.This week in the snug, we’re joined by the exceptional flute player Brendan Mulholland, a musician whose passion for Irish traditional music has taken him from the shores of Lough Neagh to stages across the world.Brendan shares the story of how a chance encounter with the legendary Francy McPeake set him on his musical path, the discipline and drive behind becoming a full-time musician, and the deep-rooted love of tradition that continues to fuel his playing. We explore his collaborations, including touring with John Carty, his creative ventures across folk and traditional genres, and the balance between structure and spontaneity in his musical life.From the energy of local sessions in Glenavy to international tours in Australia and New Zealand, Brendan reflects on the journey so far—offering insight into the mindset, emotion, and dedication required to truly live a life in music.There’s also a deep dive into musical influences, from Matt Molloy to Eva Cassidy, and a beautiful discussion around vulnerability, expression, and finding your voice through the instrument.A warm, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation with one of Ireland’s finest musicians.This episode is proudly sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey.Pour yourself a Jameson, ginger and lime, and enjoy—please drink responsibly.
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In Episode 35 of Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay is joined by the brilliant Ispíní na hÉireann for a lively conversation filled with music, laughs, and plenty of craic.
Known for their high-energy performances and not taking themselves too seriously, the group chat about bringing fun and personality into everything they do on stage. They also dive into the origins of their unforgettable (and slightly unusual) name, and how it reflects their unique approach to music and performance.
As always, expect great tunes, good humour, and a proper taste of the atmosphere that makes Music at Madden’s so special.
Sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey
Learn more: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com🎶 Recorded live at Madden’s Bar, Belfast
🍀 Celebrating Irish music, culture, and community -
In Episode 34 of Music at Madden’s, Lynette Fay welcomes representatives from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, an organisation known across Ireland for the incredible support it provides to families facing tragedy abroad.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was founded after the death of Kevin Bell in New York in 2013. Since then, the charity has helped bring hundreds of Irish people home to their families following sudden or unexpected deaths overseas. In this powerful and emotional conversation inside the snug at Madden’s, the story behind the trust is explored, along with the extraordinary work carried out by volunteers who support families during some of the most difficult moments imaginable.
The discussion reflects on how the organisation began, the practical realities of repatriation, and the deep sense of community that has grown around the trust. There are also moving reflections on the families who have been helped, the generosity of people across Ireland and beyond, and the lasting legacy created in Kevin Bell’s name.
Music at Madden’s is recorded in Madden’s Bar, Belfast, and hosted by Lynette Fay. The podcast celebrates Irish music, culture, and the stories that connect communities at home and abroad.
Sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey
🥃 Jameson Irish Whiskey
Website: https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesonwhiskey
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jamesonwhiskey
Subscribe for more conversations from the snug.
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Fresh from a visit to St Brigid’s shrine in Faughart on St Brigid’s Day, Armagh singer–songwriter Dani Larkin joins Lynette Fay in the snug at Madden’s for a conversation that feels both rooted and quietly rebellious.
Proudly from the border village of Madden, Dani speaks about the strange freedom that can come from growing up on the edge - a place where, as she puts it, there’s a certain lawlessness that leaves space for imagination and creativity to roam. Along the way we discover a few surprises too… including Dani’s past life playing camogie for Co Armagh, (She played county!) and she offers her services as a support act for Westlife!
At the heart of the conversation is Dani’s new album Next of Kin, the long-awaited follow-up to her debut Notes to a Maiden Warrior. Five years in the making, the record forms part of a trilogy that begins in darkness before moving toward light - music intended as a companion through the different stages of our lives. Dani reflects on what it means to be in relationship with ourselves as we grow and change, rather than living by the expectations of others.
It’s a warm, thoughtful and often funny chat about creativity, and belonging , all recorded in the intimate surroundings of the snug at Madden’s.
Settle in and join us for this beautiful conversation with Dani Larkin.
🎧 SponsorsThis episode is proudly sponsored by:Madden’s Bar – The home of traditional music in Belfast.📍 Find out more: https://maddensbar.comPizza Works – Authentic wood-fired pizza in the heart of Belfast.📍 Find out more: https://pizzaworks.co.uk
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In Episode 32 of Music at Madden’s, we’re joined in the snug by acclaimed Irish folk duo Ye Vagabonds — brothers Diarmuid and Brían Mac Gloinn from County Carlow — alongside band member Alain McFadden for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about collaboration, identity and meaningful music.
The Carlow brothers reflect on how their upbringing shaped their love of traditional song, and they speak beautifully about their deep connection to Arranmore Island — a place that has profoundly influenced their musical spirit and sense of community. That island connection, they explain, feeds directly into the emotional core of their songwriting and harmony work.
We dive into their collaboration with Boygenius, and what it meant to work alongside artists from a different musical landscape while still staying rooted in tradition. They also discuss the recording of their latest album, All Tied Together, and their commitment to capturing performances live in the room — prioritising presence, feel and honesty over studio perfection. With Alain contributing to the broader band dynamic, they share how important it is to let songs breathe and exist in real time.
A particularly moving part of the conversation centres on what success actually means to them. While they touch on being name-dropped by actor Paul Mescal as his favourite band, they’re clear that awards and industry recognition pale in comparison to the moments when someone approaches them at the merch stall to say how deeply a song has resonated. For Ye Vagabonds, that human connection is everything.
They also chat about their favourite albums of all time — the records that shaped their songwriting, harmony approach and philosophy around making music that lasts.
Sponsors
Jameson's Whiskey
https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-gb/
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In this episode of Music at Madden’s, we sit down in the snug with the brilliant Martha Guiney for a warm and fascinating conversation about her journey through traditional music.
Martha reflects on her early musical roots, her family’s deep connection to the tradition, and the formative influence of being taught by the Burns family. We also hear about her determination in seeking guidance from the legendary Séamus Tansey, and the rich nostalgia surrounding sessions in O’Hanlon’s in Mullaghbawn — including some memorable stories of police checkpoints along the way.
The conversation also dives into Martha’s thoughtful process when selecting tunes for her album, offering a real insight into the care and musicality behind her work.
A beautiful chat full of history, humour, and heart from one of the tradition’s finest players.
🎧 Sponsors
This episode is proudly sponsored by:
Madden’s Bar – The home of traditional music in Belfast.
📍 Find out more: https://maddensbar.com
Pizza Works – Authentic wood-fired pizza in the heart of Belfast.
📍 Find out more: https://pizzaworks.co.uk
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In this episode of Music at Madden’s, we sit down with Tom and Méabh from the legendary Cobblestone pub in Dublin — one of Ireland’s most important homes of traditional music.
We chat about the history and ethos of The Cobblestone, the role the Mulligan family has played in keeping trad music alive in Dublin, and why authentic, community-driven music spaces matter now more than ever. From stories behind the sessions to the cultural heartbeat of Smithfield, this is a must-watch for anyone passionate about Irish music and heritage.
Recorded live at Madden’s.
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In this episode of Music at Madden’s, we’re joined by renowned sean-nós dancer Arlene McCarroll for a lively conversation all about rhythm, tradition and keeping Irish culture moving.
Arlene shares how the worlds of sean-nós dance and traditional music naturally blend together — the steps, the lift, and the connection between musicians and dancers in the room.
We chat about the workshops she runs, passing the style on to the next generation, and how teaching keeps the tradition alive and evolving.
She also tells us about her time in Australia and the thriving Irish community there, and how Irish music, dance and culture have travelled across the world while still feeling rooted in home.This special episode was filmed on location in Cavanagh’s, Garvaghy, Co. Tyrone during Tyrone Tradfest, capturing the atmosphere of a real trad session in full swing.
Expect stories, laughs, and plenty of love for sean-nós, music and community.
A huge thank you to Cavanagh's Bar, Garvaghy, Co. Tyrone for hosting us on location during this recording. A brilliant local pub and a true home for traditional music, sessions, and community spirit — if you’re ever in the area, call in for a pint and a tune.👉 More info: https://www.facebook.com/CavanaghsGarvaghy
We’re also delighted to partner with Tyrone Trad Fest, a fantastic celebration of Irish traditional music, song and dance, bringing world-class performers and workshops to venues across Tyrone each year.👉 Festival details & events: https://tyronetradfest.com
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Welcome to a new episode of Music at Madden’s Podcast with me, Lynette Fay.
This week in the snug, Lynette welcomes Martin and Sorcha Meehan for a warm, reflective conversation rooted in memory, music, and place.
Together, they look back on their long-standing connection to Madden’s Bar — sharing stories, memories, and moments that capture why the snug has become such a vital gathering place for musicians and storytellers alike. They reflect on how spaces like Madden’s help nurture creativity, community, and a sense of belonging within the traditional music world.
Martin and Sorcha also talk about their family’s deep roots in the traditional music scene, and how that world feels less like an industry and more like an extended family — one shaped by shared tunes, late nights, and generations passing music hand to hand.
The conversation pays tribute to the places that have formed them, both as musicians and as people, from the warmth of Madden’s to the landscapes and communities of County Armagh. They discuss how place, memory, and tradition continue to influence their songwriting, musicianship, and outlook on life.
A gentle, heartfelt episode full of craic, connection, and gratitude — recorded, as always, in the heart of Madden’s Bar.
New episodes every Monday.
Sponsors
Boatyard Distillery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boatyarddistillery/
Website: https://boatyarddistillery.com/
Ardara Distillery – Ardara Malt Whiskey
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ardaradistillery/
Website: https://sliabhliagdistillers.com/ardara-distillery/
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Music at Madden’s Podcast returns with a very special guest — Brian Finnegan, one of the most influential flute players to emerge from the Irish traditional music scene.
Recorded in the snug at Madden’s Bar, this episode sees Lynette Fay sit down with Brian for a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation that moves from tradition to innovation, and everything in between.
Brian reflects on his early musical influences, his journey through the traditional music world, and the curiosity that has continually driven him to push boundaries — whether through composition, collaboration, or exploring new musical spaces. He speaks openly about creativity, musical identity, and the balance between respecting tradition while allowing it to evolve.
A rich, reflective episode with one of Irish music’s most respected voices.
Sponsors
Madden’s Bar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaddensBarBelfast/
Pizza Works – Antrim RoadWebsite: https://www.pizzaworksni.co.uk/
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In this episode of Music at Madden’s, we’re joined live in Madden’s Bar by Hurtan, one of the most distinctive and forward-thinking acts in Irish music right now.
We talk about their recent appearance on The Tommy Tiernan Show and what that moment meant for the band, as well as their wider journey so far. The conversation dives deep into Hurtan’s creative process — from blending traditional Irish music with electronic elements, to their striking use of costumes and visual identity on stage.
The band also explore how their sound, performances, and overall aesthetic draw on ritualistic, pagan influences rooted in Irish culture, creating a live experience that feels immersive, ancient, and completely modern all at once.
Recorded, as always, in the heart of Madden’s Bar, this episode offers an honest snapshot of a band in motion — thoughtful, driven, and finding their feet together.New episodes every Monday.
Sponsors
Madden’s Bar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaddensBarBelfast/
Pizza Works – Antrim RoadWebsite: https://www.pizzaworksni.co.uk/
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This week on Music at Madden’s, we’re stepping outside of Madden’s Bar and into the heart of County Tyrone as we record live from Canavans during the very first Tyrone Tradfest.
Fresh off a packed headline show the night before, we’re joined by Peter Street — one of the most exciting young bands on the traditional music scene right now. The lads sit down with us to talk about the buzz surrounding their music, the importance of authenticity, and why their stripped-back, tune-driven approach is connecting so strongly with audiences.
We chat about growing up with traditional music, formative Fleadh memories, the influence of places like the Irish World Academy in Limerick, and what it’s like going from learning in workshops to teaching the next generation.
There’s plenty of talk about band dynamics, tune selection, accompaniment, live performance, and how Peter Street are putting their own stamp on traditional music in 2025.With an album on the way and momentum firmly behind them, this is a brilliant insight into a band riding the crest of a new wave in Irish traditional music — recorded live, with an audience, at a festival that celebrates everything great about the tradition in Tyrone.
Sponsors
This episode of Music at Madden’s is brought to you by Tyrone Tradfest — the team behind Tyrone’s first dedicated traditional music festival.Based in Ballygawley, Tyrone Tradfest celebrates the county’s rich musical heritage through concerts, workshops, sessions and the characters who make the music come alive.
The festival will return next year on December 4th, 5th & 6th, 2026.
🔗 Website: https://www.tyronetradfest.com
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyronetradfest
This episode of Music at Madden’s is also brought to you by Canavans of Garvaghy, located in the heart of County Tyrone.
Canavans is a popular destination for live music, events and celebrations, boasting multiple function rooms, a bar and restaurant, ample parking, and big plans for the future — including new accommodation and a fitness and recovery suite arriving in 2026. It’s a perfect stop-off or destination for anyone travelling through the county.
🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canavansofgarvaghy
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