Michael McGoldrick

After playing his first tune on the tin whistle, learnt by ear, a young Michael McGoldrick asked his parents Brendan and Teresa “How do my fingers know where to go?” Born in south Manchester in 1971, Michael grew up in a house full of music - his father and older siblings played the whistle, his mother sang and the record collection introduced him to legendary players such as Seamus Tansey, Matt Molloy and The Bothy Band. Weekly music classes alongside many peers soon followed, made possible by dedicated teachers and selfless parents. Michael went on to win several All-Ireland Championships at a young age and he began playing with Manchester’s Toss The Feathers aged just 15.

In 1995 Michael won the BBC Radio 2 Young Tradition Award and went on to become a founding member of the band Flook. His first solo album, Morning Rory, was released the following year. After a spell with irish band Lúnasa, Michael joined Scottish band Capercaillie. He has also played with Afro-Celt Sound System and Sharon Shannon band , is in Usher’s Island with bandmates Donal Lunny Andy Irvine Paddy Glackin and John Doyle and is a longstanding member of both the Transatlantic Sessions band and Mark Knopfler’s Band. In 2024 he was nominated for RTE radio 1 best folk instrumentalist. Highly respected by other musicians for his flute, whistle and uilleann pipes playing, Michael has contributed to countless albums, collaborating with artists such as Eric Clapton, Ben Howard, Zac Brown, Mark Knopfler and Ocean Colour Scene to name a few.

As his career progressed, the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Instrumentalist of the Year in 2001 and Musician of the Year in 2006 were added to Michael’s awards collection.

Four more widely acclaimed solo releases, along with duo albums with local fiddle maestro Dezi Donnelly, also with John McSherry, John Doyle, John Carty and Tim Edey have further added to Michael’s renown amongst listeners and musicians. Traditional music remains at the heart of his playing, exemplified by the formidable, enduring trio with John Doyle and John McCusker. Michael can still often be found playing in informal pub music sessions in Manchester and around the world. His playing and compositions have inspired younger musicians and he unfailingly makes time to encourage and mentor the next generation. Earlier this year, Michael participated in a landmark cross-border project bringing together Music Generation Cavan/Monaghan and Belfast Trad Fest and Music Generation Laois . The project saw Michael’s trio join forces with 100 young musicians for a performance of his own compositions at Belfast’s Usher hall. Specially arranged and conducted by Michael Rooney.