TALENTED musicians from the Castlewellan area have been invited to perform during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast this week.
The world’s biggest celebration of Irish music, song and language is taking place in Belfast for the very first time, with a wide array of events from Sunday 2 August to Sunday 9 August.
It is anticipated that visitor numbers will be close to 800,000, with lively pub sessions, spontaneous street performances and dramatic stage shows in Ireland’s only UNESCO City of Music.
As part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann this week, a special series of lunchtime recitals have been organised.
‘Families of Ulster’ will celebrate the traditions and talent of Ulster’s counties.
These recitals are being held every day in 2 Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre.
County Down will be represented on Friday afternoon by the Cowan, Howell and Maginn family from Castlewellan.
The Cowan, Howell and Maginn family comprise of Terry Cowan, his daughter Cara Maginn, grandchildren Niamh, Ruáirí, Tara and Lorcán Howell, and Erin, Cian and Cait Maginn.
Music has always been a constant feature in the Cowan household.
Some of Terry’s earliest memories are of his mother, Brigid, singing in the family home and his father’s love of Céilí House on Radio Éireann on a Saturday night.
Terry taught himself guitar and, under the guidance of his mother, learned many traditional Irish folk songs.
This led to a lifelong passion for singing and songwriting, and countless opportunities to perform around the world, alongside earning many medals at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
It is no surprise he passed his love of music down through the generations of his family.
The family are all active members of Newcastle CCÉ.
Cara plays the tin whistle and cites her claim-to-fame moment as performing with the 15–18 Grúpaí Cheoil in Ballina in 1998, when they achieved second place.
Niamh and Lorcán play concertina, Ruáirí plays the uilleann pipes and whistles, Tara plays button accordion, Erin plays fiddle, Cian plays both harp and guitar and Cait plays whistle.
Between them, the younger generation have a plethora of medals at both Provincial and All-Ireland level.
However, it is not very often they have the opportunity to all perform together, so they are especially delighted to appear in Belfast at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.
