An Spailpín Fánach: 5pm ‘Gals at Play’ with Mary Greene, Alice Jago, Paula K O’Brien, Trish Reilly, Éimhear Flannery €15
Gals at Play 2025
Mary Greene is the facilitator of 'Gals at Play'. She has an abiding love of excellent songwriting, valuing the power of a good song to change mindsets and capture the human condition. Her own songs have featured regularly on national and international airwaves with several reaching the number one spot of the RTE Radio 1 Airplay Chart. 'The Girl in the Lavender Dress' went on to become the second most played Irish track on the station for the year of its release. She is a member of the duo GREENE and SHINE along with her husband and long-time music collaborator, Noel Shine, and is also a member of the RTE Folk Awards nominated trio GREENSHINE which includes the duo's daughter, Ellie Shine. Mary and Noel produce and record their music in their home studio in West Muskerry.
Alice Jago is a singer, songwriter and producer from Dublin. She released her critically acclaimed debut album ' Born Stubborn' with the lead single ' New St South' going straight onto the RTE radio 1 Playlist as well as becoming a firm favourite on nationwide stations. Described by Hot Press as: "a Beautifully produced.. exquisite debut .. a breezier Gillian Welch, a folkier Rickie Lee Jones ,a touch of Dusty on the vocal"
"She's a songwriter distinctly in control of her own voice. A spirit stirring debut." *** Irish Times. Her latest single, a cover of Dolly Parton's 'Jolene', garnered widespread kudos and airplay. Alice Jago's voice is gentle, smoky goodness, and the perfect vehicle for her evocative, superbly melodic and thought provoking songs.
Éimhear Flannery is a distinguished multi-award-winning instrumentalist, vocalist, sean-nós dancer and much sought-after teacher hailing from the culturally rich region of Sliabh Luachra. Renowned for her exceptional musicianship and versatility, Éimhear became the first tin whistle player to win the esteemed Bonn Óir (Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal in the whistle and flute category in January 2024). Her accolades also include numerous awards at Oireachtas na Samhna as well as All-Ireland titles at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. In addition to her whistle dexterity, Eimhear also excels in concertina and piano. Éimhear has also distinguished herself in classical music. In December 2023, she was awarded a Performance Diploma in Classical Piano from the Royal School of Music, London.
Trish Reilly is a proud member of the Traveller community. A singer/songwriter from Athlone, she is a multi-instrumentalist steeped in the ancient Irish folk tradition. Trish was brought up in a very musical family, where she was immersed in Irish music and stories that were passed down through the old oral tradition, her family line being that of the famous John “Jacko” Reilly (RTÈ Radio1 inaugural Folk Awards Hall of Fame Inductee). Trish learned most of her songs directly from her Father who would have learned them from his parents. John Reillys songs have been popularized by Irish folk stalwarts such as, Sinead O’Connor, Christy Moore and Lankum, to name but a few. Over the past decade Trish has played venues and festivals all over Ireland and Europe including Whitby Folk Festival, Glastonbury and Templebar Tradfest. She also took part, along with renowned piper Paddy Keenan, in 'Creative Ireland's 'LONG GRAZING ACRE', a celebration of Traveller Music at Pan Celtic Festival
Paula K O'Brien is a folk artist and multi-instrumentalist from Clonakilty whose songs reveal strength in vulnerability and power in gentleness. She is superb in her storytelling. Her debut album, 'Evangeline', is an Alt-Country Folky gem. Paula has also released a five track EP with themes of loss and hope, featuring Liam O Maonlaí on piano and Bill Shanley on guitar. Paul was chosen by IMRO to play the Templebar Tradfest and has worked with Luka Bloom on his album 'Frugalisto'. Paula is a member of West Cork sensations 'THE KATES' with whom she plays bass, and the trio 'WAYWARD FOLK', lending her mandolin to the mix. She has contributed to podcasts on the importance of arts in healthcare.