- George Mercer (My Tribe Your Tribe): Singer-songwriter, musician (indie-electro) from Portlaoise, County Laois. Leader of My Tribe Your Tribe, Mercer’s indie-electronic project blends introspective lyrics with electronic beats. His work, including singles like “Willow’s Song,” has gained traction in Ireland’s alternative scene, representing Laois’s modern musical output.
- John Feeley: Classical guitarist, composer from Ballinakill, County Laois. Born May 24, 1955. A renowned classical guitarist, Feeley has performed globally and recorded albums like Celtic Classics. He studied at Trinity College Dublin and has taught at the Dublin Conservatory, contributing to Laois’s classical music reputation.
- Paddy Sweeney: Traditional musician (fiddle, banjo) from Mountrath, County Laois. Born 1930s .Died 2000s. A key figure in Laois’s traditional music, Sweeney was known for his fiddle and banjo playing in the Sliabh Bloom style. He performed at local sessions and influenced younger musicians through Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
- Mary Bergin: Traditional musician (tin whistle) from Portlaoise, County Laois (born in Dublin but long associated with Laois). Born September 13, 1949. A master of the tin whistle, Bergin’s albums Feadóga Stáin and Feadóga Stáin 2 are landmarks in Irish traditional music. Her time in Laois connected her to the county’s music community.
- Seán Ryan: Traditional musician (fiddle) from Camross, County Laois. Born 1919 Died 1985. A celebrated fiddler, Ryan composed numerous reels and jigs, many recorded by groups like The Chieftains. His music reflects Laois’s traditional heritage, and he was a mentor to local musicians.
- Michael Dunne: Traditional musician (accordion) from Abbeyleix, County Laois. Born 1940s. Dunne is a respected accordion player in Laois’s céilí and session scene, performing at festivals like the Laois Fleadh. His work preserves the county’s traditional music traditions.
- Ciara McEvoy: Singer-songwriter (folk, indie) from Stradbally, County Laois. An emerging artist, McEvoy’s folk-infused songs draw on her Laois roots. She has performed at local venues and festivals, contributing to the county’s contemporary music scene.
- Thomas Moore: Poet, singer, songwriter (ballads) from Sloperton Cottage, near Devizes, Wiltshire, but spent significant time in Kilkenny and Laois (connected through family and performances). Born May 28, 1779 Died February 25, 1852. Known for Irish Melodies, including “The Minstrel Boy” and “The Last Rose of Summer,” Moore performed in Kilkenny and had ties to Laois through his travels. His work shaped Irish balladry.
- Eoin Delaney: Traditional musician (flute, whistle) from Rathdowney, County Laois. Born 1950s. Delaney is a noted flute and whistle player in Laois’s traditional music circles, performing with local bands and at All-Ireland Fleadh competitions.
- Laura Murphy: Singer-songwriter (pop, folk) from Mountmellick, County Laois. A young artist, Murphy’s music blends pop and folk, reflecting her Laois upbringing. She has performed at regional events like Electric Picnic, showcasing the county’s emerging talent.
Musicians
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County Laois:
Ireland’s county Laois offers a serene blend of historic sites and natural landscapes, with the Rock of Dunamase providing panoramic views from its ancient castle ruins. Emo Court’s elegant Georgian mansion and gardens offer a peaceful retreat, while the Slieve Bloom Mountains provide hiking trails through rolling hills. Laois is Ireland’s ninth smallest county by size (1,719 square km) and tenth smallest by population (91,877). Population peaked at 153,930 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 44,595 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Laois is Ireland’s 27th most visited tourist county with around 52,000 international visitors per year.
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