Micheál Ó Seighin  (Piano)

Micheál Ó Seighin is a native, born and bred, of Gleann Bruachan, Co.Limerick, an area high up in the Ballyhouras, traditionally rich in music and song, and the source of the great music collections of Joyce and Roche. Micheál grew up surrounded by music exemplified by the concertina playing of his aunt, May Lee, who had inherited a rich musical legacy from her father, Joe Hurley, concertina player and dancer. A sean-nós singer of distinction, Micheál claims that he plays piano accompaniment because as the youngest of a family of nine he had to play whatever instrument was left over when the family played together. He claims to dabble in other instruments for the same reason. A resident of Ros Dumhach and Ceathrú Thaidhg in the Erris Gaeltacht since 1962, Micheál is a strong and constant advocate of mayo, and especially Erris, traditions and potential.

             Jim McArdle (Guitar)

Jim McArdle was born in Drogheda and now lives in Bettystown, Co.Meath. He plays regularly with the great West Clare fiddler and philosopher, Joe Ryan, who lives in nearby Cooperhill. In 1998 he produced Joe's album for Clo lar Chonnachta, 'An Buachaill Dreoite'. Jim's approach to music is heavily influenced by the great departed Louth musicians Mary Ann Carolan, singer and concertina player from the Hill of Rath, Drogheda and Tommy McArdle, Fiddler and Singer from Tallanstown. His guitar playing has been influenced by Willie Johnson, Maybelle Carter, Riley Puckett and Jimmy Durante. In recent years Jim has spent a considerable amount of time and energy researching the identity and location of the lost Chord with limited success. He intends to apply for further grant-aid under the National Development Plan in the near future to pursue this valuable research. Vincent and Jim first played together at sessions in Teach Ui Chairbre, the great Drogheda Traditional Pub. Despite the distance between East and West Mayo, they play together as regularly as possible.