Families of Ulster Recital - Howell/Maginn/Cowan Family

The Cowan, Howell & Maginn Family

The Cowan, Howell and Maginn Family bring together three generations of musicians united by a shared love of Irish traditional music.

The family comprises Terry Cowan, his daughter Cara Maginn, grandchildren Niamh, Ruáirí, Tara and Lorcán Howell, and Erin and Cian Maginn.

Music has long been a constant feature of family life. Some of Terry's earliest memories are of his mother, Brigid, singing in the family home and his father's love of Céilí House on Radio Éireann. Inspired by these early influences, Terry taught himself guitar and learned many traditional Irish folk songs under his mother's guidance, developing a lifelong passion for singing, songwriting and performance.

Over the years, Terry has performed around the world and earned numerous medals at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, passing his love of music on to the generations that followed.

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A Family Tradition

All members of the family are active participants in Newcastle CCÉ, where they continue to contribute to and benefit from the vibrant traditional music community.

The family's musicians include:

• Cara Maginn – tin whistle
• Niamh Howell – concertina
• Lorcán Howell – concertina
• Ruáirí Howell – uilleann pipes and whistles
• Tara Howell – button accordion
• Erin Maginn – fiddle
• Cian Maginn – harp and guitar

Together, the younger generation has amassed an impressive collection of Provincial and All-Ireland Fleadh titles across a variety of disciplines.

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A Special Fleadh Performance

While each family member regularly performs in competitions, concerts and sessions, opportunities for the entire family to appear together are rare.

For that reason, they are especially delighted to come together for this special performance at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast, celebrating family, tradition and the enduring joy of making music together.

A heartwarming celebration of three generations of musicians carrying a shared love of Irish traditional music from one generation to the next.