Martin Meehan was born in 1977 and hails from Manchester.
He began playing the tin whistle at a very early age before
graduating onto the flute. Angela Durkan and Michael Mc Goldrick
began teaching Martin the whistle from the age of 6. Mike
introduced Martin to the flute, before his departure to Ireland
in 1988. Thanks to the tuition and guidance of Tony Carberry
Martin had attained two All-Ireland titles on the bodhrán
in 1988 and 1990.
The Manchester Irish traditional music scene has been in
existence for over sixty years and undergone many changes.
During Martin's time in Manchester, this was a thriving scene
to be involved in. He had very close affiliations with the
Manchester CCÉ and grew up playing with great players
such as: Eamonn Dinan, Paul and Colin Farrell, Jon-Joe Kelly,
Angelina Carberry, Geraldine Lyons, Grace Kelly, Andrew Dinan,
Sean Regan, but to name a few. Deep gratitude is owed to Peter
Carberry for his time and commitment during this period.
When Martin moved from Manchester to County Armagh in the
north of Ireland, he joined the Armagh Pipers club headed
by Brian and Eithne Vallely. The Armagh Pipers Club has been
in existence for over 20 years. The establishment of traditional
music within the Armagh area is a product of the hard work
and commitment of Brian and Ethne. Musicians such as Mark
Donnelly, Brian Finnegan, Tiarnan Ó Duinnchinn and
Jarleth Henderson have been actively involved within the Pipers
club hence raising the standard of Irish traditional music
in Armagh and Northern Ireland on a whole. The late Peg McGrath
had a massive impetus into Martin's flute playing, as he regularly
attended her home in Dundalk for lessons.
Martin's Father Eugene, hails from Tullamore in County Offaly
and plays the box. His Mother Margaret originates from Keady
in County Armagh and is a proficient singer. His parent's
enthusiasm and love for Irish traditional music has been a
catalyst for Martin's musical success. His older brother Paul
is a professional musician who plays with the Karen Casey
band and has also appeared with Liz Carroll, Tommy Peoples
and Lunasa. Katriona, Martin's younger sister, plays the fiddle
and she is following firmly in her older siblings footsteps.
Within the past six years Martin and his wife Sorcha, who
plays the fiddle, have been living in Portrush and Galway.
Due to their keen interest in promoting the traditional arts,
the Portrush area has enjoyed a revival of traditional music.
During their period in Galway they played with musicians as
diverse as Paul Bradley, Martin Quinn, Angelina Carberry,
Pauric Rynne, Anthony McGrath, Bill Wright, Cathal Currans,
Colm Gannon, Dodd and Emmet Gill.
Now residing in Armagh Martin is actively involved with
the Armagh Pipers Club and enjoys playing frequently with
his wife and local musicians such as Aidan Prunty, Barry Kerr,
Robbie McGleenan, Patricia Vallely, bodhran maker Bud Lennon
and Caoimhin Vallely.
He is currently recording an album, which is due to be released
in early 2005. Arty Mc Glynn, Paul Meehan, Sorcha Meehan,
Paul Bradley, Colm Gannon, Donnacha Moynichan and Caoimhin
Vallely will be featuring on the album.
The recording of the album and progression as a musician
would not have been possible without Martin's loving wife
Sorcha's support and guidance. Martin has 2 children Patrick
(age 5) and Dónall (age 1), who are now the main driving
force behind Martin's musical ambition.
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