Families of Ulster Recital - McGlinchey Family (Tyrone)

The McGlinchey Family

The McGlinchey family from Omagh, County Tyrone, are deeply rooted in the tradition of Irish music and have become a familiar and respected name on the traditional music scene.

At the heart of the family is Paul McGlinchey, an accomplished flute player who grew up in Omagh learning from renowned musicians including Arthur Kearney and Seán McCusker. Raised in a household where Irish traditional music was a central part of family life, Paul developed a lifelong connection to the tradition from an early age.

His dedication and talent led to remarkable success at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, where he won Senior All-Ireland Flute titles in 1993, 1994 and 1995, alongside championship titles in slow airs, miscellaneous instruments and duet competitions.

Paul has also released two acclaimed recordings, Unearthed and The Boys of the Town.

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A New Generation

The family's musical tradition continues through Paul's four daughters:

• Una McGlinchey – fiddle
• Maebh McGlinchey – fiddle
• Aoife McGlinchey – concertina
• Ciara McGlinchey – concertina

Together they have accumulated numerous Fleadh Cheoil titles and other prestigious awards, establishing themselves as accomplished musicians in their own right.

The sisters regularly perform with leading ensembles including:

• National Folk Orchestra of Ireland
• Misneach Orchestra
• Music Generation Cross-Border Youth Orchestra

Maebh also travelled to Milwaukee in 2025 to perform with Féile Oriel.

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Recent Highlights

Recent highlights for the family include:

• Appearances on TG4's Ceolaireacht
• Recording performances for Geantraí
• Performances at Belfast TradFest
• Participation in Dún Uladh's 30th Anniversary Concert
• Membership of an All-Ireland-winning Grúpa Ceoil in 2024

Together, the McGlinchey family represent the strength of Tyrone's musical tradition and the successful passing of that tradition from one generation to the next.

A celebration of family, tradition and musical excellence from one of Tyrone's most accomplished traditional music families.