Over a number of years now, I have witnessed the arrival of a coterie of brilliant young accordion players who have taken a special interest in old recordings of traditional Irish Music, both private and commercial.

Among them, I have had the pleasure and privilege to meet Diarmuid Ó Meachair on a number of occasions. Recipient of the “Young Musician of the Year Award” Gradam Ceoil 2022, Diarmuid is one of the great button box players of his generation and also a Sean-nós singer with a huge respect for the tradition. His music is rooted in his rich Coolea musical family background, but also drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, old and recent, including P.J. Conlon, Finbarr Dwyer, Jackie Daly, Johnny Connolly and also Quebec musicians. Diarmuid has studied and learnt very well indeed from all these influences and has in the process developed his own unique and distinctive style on two row accordion and melodeon.

This, his first solo recording represents a great achievement and will be a source of inspiration to this and future generations.

Charlie Harris, TG4 Muscian of the Year 2009, Galway, 2022

I was honoured to be asked to write these few words for Diarmuid. This young musician has a brilliant future ahead of him.

For me, this recording brings back memories of the old 78 records of master Melodeon players, P.J Conlon, and John Kimmel of the 1920 era.

The choice of tune throughout the CD is ideally suited to the instrument, and the playing is outstanding, raising Melodeon playing to a new level. The consistent rhythmic flow, ornamentation meticulously executed and creative variations of the melody are all done with precision. The accompaniment from Paddy McEvoy on piano and Ruairi McGorman on Bouzouki is intuitive, and complements the overall recording.

 I love this CD. It will make you want to dance the Sliabh Luachra or even the Clare set!

Congratulations Diarmuid and best of luck.

Bobby Gardiner, Melodeon player,

Recipient of an Honorary Masters Degree from UCC in 2024 for his contribution to Irish Music.

It is only fitting after his success as Young Musician of the Year 2022 on TG4, Diarmuid should follow it up with a fine CD. Box player supreme Diarmuid Ó Meachair leaves no doubt in the minds of his admirers that following the quality of this CD - Young Musician of the year was only the first of many awards that will come his way.

A player of this quality does not appear on your radar very often. You will never tire of listening to this musician.

Good luck with this CD Diarmuid.

Richie Dwyer, TG4 Composer of the Year 2004

This compact disc demonstrates great control and majestic fingering which contribute to a first class rendition of old and new tunes in the style of some of our great players who are no longer with us. 

Comhgairdeas Diarmuid as an éacht iontach seo.

Larry Gavin, Accordion player.

Is íontach go deo an ceoltóir é'n fear óg seo bail ó Dhia air. 

Tá mé ag éisteacht lena chuid ceoil anois le cupla bliain agus a' dul i bhfeabhas atá sé. Tá fuinneamh, draocht agus croí ina chuid ceoil.

Go ndeirígh an tádh leat leis an togra breá seo agus le do shaol ceoil faoi láthair agus na blianta atá amach romhainn.

PJ Hernon, Accordion & Melodeon Player