DEREK HICKEY

Derek Hickey hails from Adare, Co. Limerick. He started playing accordion at a young age. By the age of 18 he joined the band Arcady and then at 21 was invited by Frankie Gavin to join De Dannan. He recorded two albums with the band during the time he spent with them. Derek Hickey is a regular tutor at The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University Limerick. In his rich and varied performing experiences, he has shared the stage with some of worlds greatest talents including Stephan Grappelli and The Rolling Stones.

MURTY RYAN

Murty Ryan is a button accordion player originally from the village of Toor in Co. Tipperary, he learned his music from the great box player Willie Fogarty of Nenagh, he cites the likes of the late Paddy O’Brien and Joe Burke as some of his earlier influences. He moved to the town of Ennis in 1996 where he teamed up with fiddle player Siobhan Peoples and in 2001 released the cd “Time on our hands”. They still play together regularly on the great vibrant music scene that exits in Ennis. Murty also likes to teach some of the local kids where he says there is no shortage of up and coming talent.

**Please note all teachers are subject to change.