Dedication to the Music of Sliabh Luachra Award
Roll of Honour
2019- Jackie Daly
2018- Timmy O’Connor
2017- Dr. Matt Cranitch
2016- Paddy Jones
2015- Dónal O’Connor
2014- Jimmy O’Brien
2013- Dan Murphy
2012- Dan Herlihy
2011- Nicky and Anne McAuliffe
2010- Denis McMahon
2009- Jimmy Doyle
2008- Willie 0’Connell
2007- Maurice O’Keeffe
2006- Mikey Duggan
2005- Dan O’Connell
2004- Paddy Cronin
2003- No winner
2002- Peter Browne
2001– No winner
2000- Ciarán MacMathúna
2019…
Jackie Daly
Jackie Daly was born in Kanturk, Co. Cork on June 22, 1945. He grew up surrounded by the rich music of Sliabh Luachra. One of the greatest influences on his early musical development was Ballydesmond fiddle player Jim Keeffe, who himself was a former student of Patrick O’Keeffe.
Dutch Merchant Navy to All Ireland Title
Jackie worked for several years with the Dutch Merchant Navy, before returning to Ireland in the early 1970’s. He then through himself into being a full time professional musician. In 1974 he won the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil Accordion Competition in Listowel, County Kerry. To qualify, he was obliged to play a B/C instrument, at the time the only system sanctioned by the competition organizers, but immediately afterwards returned to his chosen C#/D system.
Solo Album & Duo with Creagh
In 1977 he released a solo album under the Topic Record Label. ‘Music from Sliabh Luachra’ was the album, and shortly afterwards he teamed up with Seamus Creagh and released ‘Jackie Daly and Seamus Creagh.’ Jackie also recorded with Kevin Burke to much acclaim.
De Dannan
Jackie Daly was the first of what was to be a series of accordion players to join the renowned music group ‘De Dannan.’ He joined the group in 1980 and would go on to record four albums with the band before he left in 1985.
Driving Force Behind a Succession of Groups
After departing De Dannan, his lively and exuberant style of playing has driven many illustrious bands including Buttons & Bows, Arcady, Reel Union, Kinvara, Patrick Street.
Other Collaborations and Gradam Ceoil
In the intervening years Jackie Daly collaborated with notable fiddle players Máire O’Keeffe and James Kelly among other. In 2005, Daly was named Ceoltóir na Bliana (Musician of the Year) at the Gradam Ceoil awards. The always witty Kanturk man quipped from the stage “Tis great to be first at last, I was always behind before.” On receiving the award and the monetary stipend he declared himself to be ‘Sliabh Luachrative!’
Composer and Teacher
In addition to his stellar recording career, Jackie is a talented composer and a sought after teacher. He is a most accomplished and versatile musician who has left an indelible mark on the finest traditional Irish bands of our time. His infectious and rhythmic playing has delighted audiences around the world. He appears today alongside his musical compadre Matt Cranitch at festivals throughout Ireland and the world.
2018…