Colm Phelan

“Colm Phelan Encompasses Innovation & Tradition with every beat’” – Junior Davey (Five Time All Ireland Champion)

“Colm Phelan is one of Ireland’s leading young percussionists, and an exceptional Bodhrán player, providing new dimensions to the voice instrument” – Niall Keegan, Course Director, BA Irish Music and Dance.

Portlaoise-born Colm has been playing the Bodhrán since childhood and has been a prominent contender in the All Ireland competition since his earliest years of playing. He is a winner of numerous medals down through the years with his proudest achievements being the first ever World Bodhran Champion, in Miltown, Co Kerry in 2006, and in the same year winning the All Ireland in Letterkenny for the second year in succession. This back-to-back achievement was closely echoed in his unique multiple Ceili Band drum competition successes. An All Ireland winner on both Bodhran and Ceili Band drums is no mean feat.

Colm is one of the most sought after Bodhran tutors in Irish Music. He has given workshops in France, Germany, Finland, Holland, UK, Italy, USA, at Junior Daveys Bodhran School in Sligo and at ‘Craiceann’. In 2016, Colm co-founded the International Bodhrán school “Búla Buzz” alongside Robbie Walsh.

He graduated with a BA in Irish Music and Dance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, University of Limerick in 2011 and an MA in Irish Music performance in 2016. The University experience has quickened his pride in his Irish heritage and reinforced his desire to ground himself firmly within that tradition.

www.bodhranphelan.com