Flute, Uillean Pipes

Mike was born in 1926. He grew up in Ballinakill, East Galway in the heart of a locality steeped in the very best of old-style traditional music. Mike is an outstanding exponent of the East Galway style of flute playing. He learned his music from his father, Tom “Barrel” who played flute and uilleann pipes. Mike emigrated to the United States in 1949 and has appeared at an extensive array of concerts and festivals all over America including the Smithsonian Institution’s Bicentennial Festival of American Folklife in 1976 and toured with the Green Fields of America. Mike has appeared on many recordings and has recorded three albums with his daughter Mary; "The Dangerous Reel", "The Old Fireside Music", "The Road from Ballinakill" and most recently his solo CD "Speed 78". Mike has devoted a lifetime to exploring, performing and teaching traditional Irish music on both sides of the Atlantic. Recently, he was named Irish Echo's Traditional Musician of the Year.

Accordion, Flute & Whistles

Mary was born in New Jersey. She was actively encouraged to play Irish music by her father Mike. He provided an environment that nurtured Mary to learn the music almost by osmosis. She has attained a remarkable level of virtuosity on flute, tin whistle and accordion placing her in the rare category of Irish musicians who excel on multiple unrelated instruments. In addition to recordings with her father, she has just released her debut solo album "Hand Me Downs". This recording features many tunes that she learned from her father and he also joins her on a few tracks. Mary is known for her association with Irish super-group Cherish The Ladies with whom she spent seven years touring and recording.

Guitar & Bouzouki

Dónal grew up in the Ring Gaeltacht of Co. Waterford, a place steeped in traditional music and song. Being born into a musical family (his father Liam, being one of the legendary Clancy Brothers) he was exposed to Irish music from an early age. Dónal began his musical career at age 14 performing in venues around his native Waterford. Since then he has recorded two albums with his father Liam and cousin Robbie O'Connell and also has appeared on many other recordings by artists such as Kevin Crawford, Danú, Martin Murray, Mike & Mary Rafferty, Aoife Clancy, Cherish The Ladies, The Clancy Brothers, Eileen Ivers Band and Solas. He just recently released his solo CD "Close to Home" on Compass Records. In addition, he put together a compilation CD "Masters of the Irish Guitar" with Shanachie Records featuring Arty McGlynn, John Doyle and many more. Dónal now lives in New York and has recently toured with The Eileen Ivers Band, The Chieftains, Cathie Ryan, Karan Casey & Niall Vallely, Clancy O'Connell & Clancy and Solas. He is currently on tour with the group Danú.