CATHAL HAYDEN AND DÓNAL MURPHY (with Special Guest Alan Murray)

The Irish American Heritage Museum is delighted and honored to welcome to Downtown Albany two remarkable Irish music giants, Cathal Hayden and Dónal Murphy . . . with Special Guest the remarkably talented Alan Murray.

Cathal Hayden and Dónal Murphy 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 both enthusiastic and infectious.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

Cathal Hayden was born into a deep musical background in the village of the Rock, County Tyrone outside of Pomeroy. Cathal's father played the banjo and fiddle; his mother was a pianist; and, both of his grandfathers were fiddle players. Cathal's first instrument was a tenor banjo before, before he progressed to the fiddle. From when he first picked up an instrument, Cathal'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, Cathal has reached those goals. Cathal's 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!!!). Dónal performed with Michael Flatley in Feet of Flames in 1998 to an open-air audience in Hyde Park London, and also performed with Riverdance at Dublin Castle. Dónal 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. Dónal released his first solo album Happy Hour in 2009 to critical acclaim. Dónal released his second solo album Tailored in May 2022. As well as featuring some of Dónal's own compositions,Tailored also features some of Dónal's family (Melanie on fiddle; Eoin on guitars/bass) as well as the legendary Steve Cooney. Donal tours the world, and is widely known continues to excite audiences across the planet with his powerhouse polka and slides sets.

Alan Murray (guitar, Irish bouzouki and singer) was born in Glasgow, Scotland. Since moving to the United States, Alan has established himself as an in-demand performer and teacher on the Irish traditional and folk music scene. Alan has recorded and performed around the world with many of the finest traditional musicians and acts today, including Solas, Lúnasa, Eileen Ivers, Battlefield Band, We Banjo 3, FourWinds, and many more. In spite of his crazy world touring schedule, Alan teaches regularly both at home and at festivals throughout the US and Ireland.

IAHM is grateful to sponsors of this event: Metroland Now, Common Roots Brewing Company, ParkAlbany, and Michael Flanagan Irish Music Heritage, Inc.

Show your ticket the day of the show at Common Roots Brewing Company and get the Common Roots’ special “IAHM Buy One / Get One” beverage deal!!!

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