BOHO accordion player Gary Curley will showcase his renowned talents this summer when he teaches many young people as part of a hugely popular Irish traditional music school in Donegal.
The renowned Irish traditional musician, who performs in bars and pubs in Enniskillen, has been confirmed as a tutor at the ‘Ceol na Coille Summer School and Trad Fest ‘25’ in Letterkenny.
Excitement is building in the locality ahead of the festival, which will run from July 14 to July 18, and the organising committee is looking forward to the Fermanagh man showcasing his talents.
“Gary Curley is primarily renowned for his musicianship on the button accordion. In recent years, he has also established great expertise with the concertina and melodeon,” the organisation
said.
“As a sought-after performer, Gary is increasingly in demand, appearing at numerous festivals throughout Ireland and abroad, where he entertains audiences with his performances.
“With over a decade dedicated to tutoring traditional Irish music, Gary has established a strong reputation across Fermanagh and its neighbouring counties,” a statement from the school added.
The Boho talent currently works as a music teacher at St Fanchea’s College in Enniskillen.
He graduated from Ulster University with a First Class Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Music, later obtaining a PGCE in Music Education, before taking on his full-time employment at the school.
He recently appeared on BBC TV series ‘The Repair Show’ where a team of specialist designers brought an 80-year-old accordion, owned by his late grandmother Kathleen Quinn, back to life.
“I was thrilled to see the finished restoration,” Mr Curley told the ‘Herald.
“The craftsmanship and attention to detail was incredible. The expert restored my grandmother’s accordion back to its original condition, whilst maintaining the character of the instrument.
“The faded areas, worn from years of my grandmother’s playing, were preserved, which also means a lot to me and my family. It still holds all of its history, but now it’s fully functional again.”