Tim O’Brien, Dermot Byrne, Seamie O’Dowd and Jan Fabricius Special Guests – Macdara O Faoláin

Tim O’Brien, Dermot Byrne, Seamie O’Dowd & Jan Fabricius

with special guest Macdara Ó Faoláin

In a rare coming together of transatlantic musical minds, this all-star lineup delivered one of the most memorable nights of the Ballincollig Winter Music Festival. Blending Appalachian soul, Irish tradition, and masterful storytelling, the performance featured Tim O’Brien, Dermot Byrne, Seamie O’Dowd, and Jan Fabricius—with a stunning opening appearance from rising Conamara talent Macdara Ó Faoláin.

Tim O’Brien, Grammy-winning American roots icon and longtime member of Hot Rize, is celebrated for his genre-spanning work in bluegrass, folk, and country. A multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter, Tim’s voice carries a deep reverence for tradition with a flair for reinvention. His long-standing partnership with Jan Fabricius, whose delicate harmonies and mandolin playing add warmth and grace to his performances, brought a tender and lyrical balance to the stage.

From Ireland, Dermot Byrne, former accordionist with Altan, brought an unmistakable Donegal pulse to the evening. His effortless phrasing and deep sensitivity on the button accordion are the result of a lifetime immersed in traditional music at the highest level.

Seamie O’Dowd, known for his virtuosic guitar work and emotive vocals, is a revered figure in Irish folk and roots music. Whether on fiddle, slide guitar, or voice, Seamie infuses every note with soul, skill, and story.

Macdara Ó Faoláin, one of the most exciting young voices in Irish music today, added a vibrant energy to the ensemble. A gifted multi-instrumentalist and singer, his contributions hinted at the next generation of tradition bearers, bridging the past and future with ease.

Together, this group of world-class musicians delivered a performance rich with nuance, intimacy, and power—a transatlantic session that celebrated the common thread of folk traditions, with every note steeped in respect, spirit, and joy.