The Lough Shore Sessions

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The Lough Shore Sessions Derrytresk, Co. Tyrone. www.ticketsource.eu/theloughshoresessions

The Lough Shore Sessions, Derrytresk, County Tyrone is a weekend festival of traditional singing and music taking place each November in on the southwestern shores of Lough Neagh. It is a successor to, and a continuation of the legacy of The Geordie Hanna Traditional Singing Weekend which ran from 1988 until 2017. Like the Geordie weekend, we hope to welcome singers, musicians and listeners from all over Ireland and beyond to our community for a weekend of intimate "in session" gigs and open sessions of music and song in various venues.

14/10/2026

We’re delighted to welcome Len Graham, one of Ulster and Ireland’s finest traditional singers, back to Derrytresk for a special evening celebrating his remarkable life in song and his deep connections to the Lough Shore.

Join us for an informal conversation with Professor Malachy Ó Néill, exploring Len’s life, influences and friendships with local singers Geordie Hanna and Sarah Ann O’Neill, interspersed with songs from his celebrated repertoire.

We’ll also welcome guest singers Karen Trench (Listowel), Gerard McCloskey (Dungiven) and our own Loinnir McAliskey, before the evening continues with an open singing session for singers and listeners alike.

A wonderful celebration of a great Ulster singer and our living tradition. All are welcome!

Just a bit of information on accommodation in the locality of Derrytresk! Get in touch if you want information on local ...
12/10/2026

Just a bit of information on accommodation in the locality of Derrytresk! Get in touch if you want information on local self catering options or if you might want to take a campervan!

09/10/2026

Just 4 weeks til the Lough Shore Sessions 2026, and here's our full programme of events for what will be a brilliant weekend of music and song.

In addition to our Len Graham in Conversation and Song event on Friday night and the Máirtín O'Connor Trio concert on Saturday night we have lots more sessions and events over the whole weekend.

We're delighted to announce that Niall Hanna, Ciaran Hanna and Rachel McGarrity will be joined by Beoga's Damian McKee to open the Saturday night concert. We also have an early evening session led by Joe Murray, Stephen Rooney and Stphen Hayden, then our big Saturday Night session after the concert, led by Cara Quinn and Laura Kerr and featuring the concert musicians and the odd song!

For the singers, there will be a late singing session on Friday night after the Len Graham event, then our now traditional Falls Bar afternoon session on Saturday. On Sunday we team up with Coalisland Clonoe Comhaltas for a slow session followed by an open session of music and song to close the weekend. We are also delighted to be joined on Sunday by the Gathered Voices Choir who will perform some traditional songs in a choral arrangement around lunchtime on Sunday!

So lots to look forward to! All events are totally free aside from the Saturday night Concert (admission £25) - tickets are selling fast so we'd advise buying online to guarantee entry as we have a limited capacity in the hall!

Tickets available at www.ticketsource.eu/theloughshoresessions

Bígí Linn!!





16/09/2026

TICKETS ON SALE NOW - £25 plus booking fee at:
www.ticketsource.eu/theloughshoresessions

We're delighted to welcome the The Máirtín O’Connor Trio to Derrytresk for a rare Ulster appearance! Máirtín, along with Cathal Hayden and Seamie O'Dowd, brings audiences on a thrilling musical journey, pushing boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in the Irish music tradition. Their exceptional musicianship and electrifying performances have earned them widespread acclaim and a devoted international following.

At the heart of the trio is accordion maestro Máirtín O’Connor. Celebrated for his work with De Danann and Riverdance, his name has been synonymous with the accordion for decades both as an instrumentalist and exceptional composer/arranger. He is joined by Cathal Hayden, All-Ireland champion on fiddle and banjo and a founding member of Four Men and a Dog. They are joined by the brilliant multi-instrumentalist Séamie O’Dowd, highly regarded for his contributions to bands such as Dervish and The Unwanted.

Kicking off the night of music, our own Niall Hanna, Ciaran Hanna, Rachel McGarrity return to the Lough Shore Sessions stage. They will be joined by Beoga's Damian McKee to make up a powerful 4-piece, providing a set of traditional songs and lively tunes that are sure to get the night going!

The concert is followed by the big Saturday night session, an open session of music and the odd song. We're focussing on the singing on Friday night and Saturday afternoon this year -Saturday night will be mainly about the tunes!

15/09/2026

We're delighted to share the main events of this year's Lough Shore Sessions!

On Friday 6th November it's all about the singing. We welcome the renowned singer, song collector and storyteller, Len Graham for an evening in conversation (with Prof Malachy Ó'Néill) and song, featuring guest singers and followed by an open singing session til late.

On Saturday 7th November we are delighted to welcome back to Derrytresk MáirtÍn O'Connor along with Cathal Hayden and Seamie O'Dowd for a night of amazing tunes! Supporting on the night, our very own Niall Hanna, Ciaran Hanna and Rachel McGarrity. It's going to be some gig! The concert will be followed by an open music and singing session til late.

Earlier on Saturday we will have the Falls Bar Singing Session plus early evening sessions in Derrytresk GAC. On Sunday, in association with Coalisland Clonoe Comhaltas we will have a slow session followed by an open session of music and song. We will also be joined by the Gathered Voices Choir for a few songs!

We will release the full programme including times later in the week but for now tickets for the Máirtín O'Connor Trio go on sale tomorrow!

Looking forward to welcoming you back to Derrytresk in November.

We're delighted to announce that the fourth instalment of The Lough Shore Sessions will take place from the 6th to the 8...
11/09/2026

We're delighted to announce that the fourth instalment of The Lough Shore Sessions will take place from the 6th to the 8th November! We have a fantastic lineup of concerts and sessions in store - watch this space over the next few days for all the details! Looking forward to seeing you all in Derrytresk and the Lough Shore area soon...

We are shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely death of Eithne Vallely. Eithne was the beating heart of the Armagh P...
25/08/2026

We are shocked and deeply saddened by the untimely death of Eithne Vallely.

Eithne was the beating heart of the Armagh Pipers Club, along with her husband Brian. Many people from the Derrytresk and Loughshore community were taught and mentored by Eithne and the teachers she and Brian gathered around them. Some, inspired by her generosity and passion for music, returned to the Pipers Club as teachers themselves, passing down the notes and values she instilled in them. Her influence on the traditional music scene can't be overstated.

Eithne was also a great advocate for traditional singing in Ulster and took part in some of the events of the Geordie Hanna Traditional Singing Weekend over the years. She will be greatly missed.

Her legacy will live on through her family, the students she taught and every life she gracefully touched.

We extend our sincere sympathy to Brian, Niall, Cillian, Caoimhín, Lorcan, Máire. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal. 🙏

NIALL HANNA - Féile Trad Night 2026We’re delighted to welcome Niall Hanna as the headline act on the opening night of ou...
07/08/2026

NIALL HANNA - Féile Trad Night 2026

We’re delighted to welcome Niall Hanna as the headline act on the opening night of our Féile Trad Weekend 🎶

With support from:
🔸 Piaras Ó Lorcáin
🔸 Tempest

📅 Friday 7th August
📍 Verner Street @ St George’s Market

Free admission | Music starts from 7pm

Bígí linn!

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our friend Frank Kelly. Frank was a welcome visitor to us here in Derrytr...
23/01/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our friend Frank Kelly. Frank was a welcome visitor to us here in Derrytresk and the Lough Shore for singing weekends and music sessions for over 30 years. Indeed, he heard some of the songs so often that he knew the words better than the singers!
Frank was an absolute gentleman who will be deeply missed. We will fondly remember his gentle nature and wit.
We offer our deepest sympathy to Rita, his sons, daughters and family circle. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí air.

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100 Annaghmore Road, Coalisland
Co

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