Accordionist and singer Méabh ní Bheaglaoich will perform as part of Bláth na hÓige at the Tradition Now concert in the National Concert Hall, Dublin on Friday 3 May. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Méabh was born into the renowned Begley family of Baile na bPoc in West Kerry and has enjoyed a full-time career in traditional Irish music since the age of 2, performing at home and across the world in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, America, Canada, Russia and throughout Europe.
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She released her debut album Cuisle with Matt Griffin in 2015 and in 2021 released Mise le Meas, her first solo effort.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I come from the Gaeltacht of Corca Dhuibhne and I am passionate about the place and love the Irish language and the music, dance and song culture in which I grew up. Sitting on this one particular wall on the Slea Head drive, looking out at the Blasket Islands is one of my happy places, as is being in a music session with my family and friends. Composing music and songs, surrounded by instruments is another. I love dogs and the ultimate happy place is being around my lovely Gael-golden retriever, Saimmí.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my instrumental music and singing as energetic and emotional rooted in the West Kerry style, whereas my song writing would be more traditional/folk and a bit random.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I have listened a lot to local musicians and singers of the Dingle peninsula like Éilís Ní Chinnéide, Páidí Mhárthain and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh as well as musicians from elsewhere like Alison Krauss and Kris Drever but my primary influences have been my family, namely the Begley clan, especially my father Séamus who passed away in 2023. He had an amazingly sweet voice for such a big character. His unapologetic way of expressing himself through singing and playing the accordion definitely gave me the inspiration to do the same. He is the reason I am in music. May he rest in peace.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My father started playing with guitarist Steve Cooney around the same time that I was born so my childhood was in the Begley and Cooney era. I remember as a child sitting with my brothers and watching them play for set dancers (one of which was my mother Máire) during the day in the Droichead Beag pub in Dingle for a documentary and I was loving the experience. The first non-family gig I went to was that of my favourite pop band (at the time), Boyzone.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The Boyzone album was bought for me so the first I bought for myself was either Six or Mickey Joe Harte. Soon afterwards my brother Eoin gave me a load of music like Garbage, Radiohead and the Hill & MacMahon I gCnoc na Graí album to make me cool :)
What's your favourite song right now?
Bánshoilse by Eoghan O Ceannabháin.
Favourite lyric of all time?
'But I could have told you, Vincent This world was never meant for one as beautiful as you’ - Vincent (Starry Starry Night) by Don McLean.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
You Are My Sunshine. It really does make me happy when skies are grey.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Instagram: meabhmusic. Facebook: Méabh Music. My website. Debut album: Bandcamp.
Alan Corr
