Biography

Described by Irish Music Magazine as “a full bodied pipe and whistle extravaganza”, Réalta carry on the Bothy Band tradition of taking tunes by the scruff of the neck and firing excitement through them like hot flames!

Hailing from the Ulster city of Belfast, this award winning multi-instrumentalist group present an enchanting programme of dance music interspersed with the occasional story, air and song. While Conor Lamb and Aaron O’Hagan pursue the melody on uilleann pipes and whistles, guitarist and vocalist Deirdre Galway explores the harmony and rhythms within the tunes. All-Ireland champions Dermot Mulholland and Dermot Moynagh complete the line-up with dynamic accompaniments on double bass, bouzouki, banjo, voice and bodhrán, making this one of the most exciting acts on the Irish music scene today.

The release of their second album, Clear Skies, has brought Réalta widespread critical acclaim, with the Irish Music Magazing summing things up by writing "Réalta have grown bigger, bolder and braver and this is one of the best CDs to have come out of Ireland this year". A performance by Réalta is joyous, energetic, foot-stomping, unforgettable and unmissable.

CONOR LAMB

Uilleann Pipes – Whistles

Conor began learning whistle with the Glenavy based flute player Brendan Mulholland. At the age of thirteen he took up the uilleann pipes after hearing Liam O’Flynn at the Lorient Festival Interceltique. He studied in Belfast with influential pipers such as Tom Clarke and Paddy O’Hare, and in recent years has toured throughout Europe and America as a member of Craobh Rua and Avalon Celtic Dances.

DEIRDRE GALWAY

Guitar – Vocals

Deirdre grew up in a classical musical environment, studying and competing on piano and clarinet. After successfully achieving Grade 8 in her classical music exams she decided to branch out and began experimenting with jazz, rock and Irish traditional music. Accompanying on DADGAD guitar and researching old songs, Irish music is now her passion. Deirdre has toured throughout Europe with The Gráinne Holland Band and Avalon Celtic Dances and is also studying for a BA in Irish language and literature.

DERMOT MULHOLLAND

Bouzouki – Double Bass – Vocals – Banjo

Performing on bouzouki, double bass and vocals (and even banjo occasionally!), Dermot Mulholland has rightfully earned his reputation as one of the finest traditional musicians and singers on the scene today. Winner of several All-Ireland titles and founding member of the BBC Folk Award winning band Ioscaid, Dermot now completes the Réalta line-up with his unique performance style (and wit!). When not performing with Réalta, Dermot can be found moonlighting across the world with Celtic Legends, or back in reality in Carntogher, Maghera as Technician and Booking Coordinator at An Carn/An Coire.

DERMOT MOYNAGH

Bodhrán – Percussion

All Ireland Bodhrán champion Dermot Moynagh is the latest edition to the Réalta lineup. Having honed his skills performing with the eclectic Emerald Armada, Dermot can truly be described as a master of his craft. His intricate and exciting style of bodhrán playing provides the perfect complement to the Réalta sound.