Brian O’Donovan Legacy Series: Cathal Hayden & Donal Murphy
Schedule
Wed, 10 Jun, 2026 at 07:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
The Burren | Somerville, MA
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These two well-known musicians were the founder members of the infamous Trad Band “Four Men and a Dog” whose first major gig was at the Belfast Folk Festival in 1990. Their debut album “Barking Mad” was released the following year and became Folk Roots Album of the year marking the first time that an Irish group had ever won the prize. Four Men and A Dog made a name for themselves with their eclectic and vivacious blend of traditional Irish music with a wide spectrum of other genres, including rap, Southern rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, polka, country swing, and even salsa. The band’s music is enthusiastic and infectious.Cathal Hayden was born into a deep musical background in the village of the Rock, Co Tyrone outside Pomeroy. His father played the banjo and fiddle, and his mother was a pianist, while both grandfathers were fiddle players. His first instrument was a tenor banjo before progressing on to fiddle.
From when he first picked up an instrument, Cathal Hayden’s only ambition was to be a professional traditional musician, and to make a career out of his dream. After over 40 years of playing, he has certainly accomplished his desire. His musical talent is famous, not only in his home village, but throughout Ireland and the entire world.
Dónal Murphy hails from Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick and is a well known button accordion performer. Donal was one of the five founder members of the original Four Men and a Dog in 1990 at the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Sligo and played their first gig at the Belfast Folk Festival later that year. The Dogs celebrated 30 years on the road in 2020 and performed a major concert with the 70 piece Imbolc Trad Orchestra at the iconic Guildhall in Derry.
He also performs with Sliabh Notes, alongside Matt Cranitch (fiddle) and Tommy O’Sullivan (guitar and vocals), they recorded three albums, Sliabh Notes, Along Blackwaters Banks and Gleanntan
He performed with Michael Flatley and his show in Feet of Flames in 1998 to an open-air audience in Hyde Park London. He has also performed with Riverdance at a concert at Dublin Castle.
He released his first solo album Happy Hour in 2009 to critical acclaim. Donal has toured the world with his various groups and continues to excite audiences worldwide with his powerhouse Polkas and Slides etc. He released his second solo album Tailored in May 2022 which features some of his own compositions, the album also features some of his family (Melanie on fiddle & Eoin on guitars and bass) as well as tasteful accompaniment from the legendary Steve Cooney.
Cathal & Donal will also feature special guest, Alan Murray on (guitar / vocals) for New York.
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Where is it happening?
The Burren, 247 Elm St,Somerville,MA,United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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