We're delighted to have Bobby & Lynda Gardiner with Tom Murphy & Tom Kenna perform a part of the 2023 Tóstal an tSean Thoir Summer Seisiún Concert series!

Bobby Gardiner is a world-renowned master Irish accordionist and lilter. Bobby is originally from County Clare, born in Aughdarra, Lisdoonvarna in 1939. He began playing at the age of eight on his mother Delia's old melodeon with the likes of Micho Russell and Micleen Conlon. At the age of 15, he was asked to join the Kilfenora Céilí Band. In 1957 he joined Malachy Sweeney's Céilí Band from Armagh and travelled throughout Ireland as a professional musician.

In 1960, Bobby followed his brother Mike and sister Mary to New Haven, Connecticut. During the day he worked as a mechanic on the New York Railway while playing for dances with the likes of Paddy Killoran, Joe Cooley, Ed Reavey and Joe Derrane as well as doing some session work for Colonial Records. His solo recording career began when Justus O'Byrne De Witt heard him on the Jack Wade Céilí Band record and contacted him to record his first LP, "Memories of Clare" which was one of the first solo LPs by an Irish button accordion player. He also recorded with Paddy Killoran. Over the years Gardiner proceeded to make further recordings, most notably: "The Master's Choice" and "The Clare Shout". Gardiner has also travelled extensively with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and is a member of the Brú Ború Troupe in Cashel, Co. Tipperary.

He is an active accordion teacher in Tipperary, Waterford and Limerick. He was recruited by the pianist Micheal O'Suilleabhain to the Music Department in University College Cork, where he has been teaching traditional music for the last 25 years. Some of his past students include Ciarán Ó Gealbháin and Benny McCarthy both of whom were part of Danú.

Bobby is joined by his daughter Lynda Gardiner who first began teaching music while attending secondary school. This experience, which involved teaching instrumental music, gave her a valuable insight into the teaching profession. She studied music at UCC and did a H dip then in UL in Music Education. As a secondary school music teacher, she had the opportunity to teach in Ireland, Kuwait, Dubai and Bahrain. Lynda often plays at festivals and events throughout the country. She has played Irish traditional music all her life and has won an All-Ireland medal on concertina at an individual level. Through her involvement in music Lynda has been fortunate to tour in many countries representing Ireland. She has recording credits and has also played on national Radio and Television.

Born in West Waterford, Tom Murphy began playing Irish music at an early age. However, his path changed at the age of twelve due to a chance encounter with famed Dublin musician Tommy Moore. This led Tom to focus on playing Scottish Pipes for a period of 10 years where he travelled extensively and won All-Ireland, Scottish and World Championship titles. In the late 1990's Tom returned to his musical roots and re entered the Irish Music arena, since then he has played in various arenas and ensembles including CD recordings, TV and Radio appearances.

The final member of the line-up for the concert is Tom Kenna, vocalist and cittern/guitar player. Previously he has played with the National Folk Orchestra and made numerous appearances on TV and radio. Tom was featured on the ‘Geantrai 10 Year Best Of’ compilation DVD and is currently involved with the "In Tune For Life Orchestra" in addition to playing, singing and co-writing songs as part of Tipperary based group The Cedartowns

Help us celebrate 40 years of Youghal Comhaltas in 2023 and make sure your summer includes incredible music and fun. Our own Ceolta Sí and younger groups will also be involved and don't forget we make a lovely cup of tea!

Don't miss it!