Whistle Workshop: Advanced (Deirdre Collis)

Deirdre Collis

A native of Collooney, Co. Sligo, Deirdre, comes from a great musical family well-known in traditional music circles throughout the country. From a very early age Deirdre's talent for music became obvious as she played at Fleadhanna and Feiseanna with her father Tom, and sisters Patricia and Fionnuala. Before long, her distinctive traditional style led to her achievement of winning All-Ireland titles at all levels on three different instruments, the button accordion, flute and tinwhistle. Over the years Deirdre has toured extensively with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann, including America, Canada and England where she captivated audiences with her performances. With her family she was also part of the highly acclaimed Owenmore Ceili Band who played throughout Ireland at concerts and céilithe and they featured at many musical events in those years, including the Inter Celtic Festival in Lorient, Brittany. In more recent times, Deirdre and members of the Collis/Kearins Family, including her husband Sylvie Golden, niece and nephew Caoimhe & Cian Kearins and her sisters Patricia and Fionnuala, have put together a full concert performance which audiences are enjoying thoroughly, given the depth and breadth of musicality being shared onstage at these events.