Caroline was, from a young age, exposed to a wealth of traditional music.
Growing up in Limerick, she was surrounded by the musical richness of both Clare and Sliabh Luachra, influences which have become the cornerstone of her uniquely vibrant, passionate and emotive style of concertina playing. Now having toured extensively throughout Europe, Canada, America, Australia and New Zealand performing at festivals such as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, Celtic Colours, Dublin Ohio Irish Fest, Woodford Folk Festival and many others in both solo and ensemble capacities, Caroline is truly a world musician.
At the age of seven, Caroline began taking tin whistle lessons at her local Comhaltas branch, and soon afterwards progressed on to concertina. Under the guidance of her teacher, Noel Hill, she developed proficiency in her art, and by fifteen, was performing both nationally and internationally. In 2006, Caroline was awarded the prestigious Lán Mara award, in recognition of outstanding achievement in national music examinations.
Caroline has been playing concertina for more than twenty years and professionally since 2007. She achieved a first class honours while studying Irish traditional music at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. She has most recently graduated from the university’s Master of Arts in Traditional Irish Music Performance, where she again achieved the coveted first class honours. Caroline is a prolific composer of contemporary Irish repertoire inspired by her interaction with traditional music on a local and national level, since studying composition within her BA degree.
In addition to her TTCT diploma in Irish traditional music teaching, Caroline also completed a Professional Diploma in Music Education in 2012. Her versed approach to tutelage is not only a testament to her musical expertise, but demonstrates the patience and empathy of experience. She is a regular performer and tutor at Irish, roots and folk music festivals all over the world, and teaches, lectures and performs regularly around the South West of Ireland.
Since 2013, Caroline has been a member of the group FourWinds, performing “An exciting landscape of tunes and lyrics that present Irish traditional music in a modern and creative context”. Caroline has just released a duet recording of traditional Irish music with uilleann piper Tom Delany entitled ‘Never Say Goodbye, Say Good Luck’ which has received rave reviews and international critical acclaim since its release.Caroline has just released her debut album “Shine”. While on home soil, Caroline currently lives in Dingle, Co. Kerry, where she performs regularly.