Leevy is a West Cork-based folk punk project fronted by performer and songwriter Amhlaoibh McSweeney. Their live shows are wild, high-energy journeys through Irish punk, folk, and rock – delivering both uproarious choruses and moments of quiet introspection. Influenced by The Pogues, Neutral Milk Hotel, Pixies, Neil Young, and Tom Waits, they’ve carved out a sound that roars with pounding drums, banjos, whistles, and heavy guitars – part dreamscape, part carnivalesque nightmare. The band consists of McSweeney on Vocals and Guitar, Darren Faul on drums, Johno Kool on Lead Guitar, Bobby Wolfe on Banjo and whistles and Diarmuid Wolfe on bass. McSweeney’s lyrics walk a line between the surreal and the deeply personal, weaving strange tales with sharp humour, emotional weight, and a distinctly Irish sense of storytelling.
Peter Miller is an acclaimed Australian finger-style guitarist known for his delicate touch and melodic approach. With a career that has taken him across Ireland, Europe, Vietnam, and Japan, Peter has shared the stage with renowned musicians like John Spillane and Ger Wolfe, captivating audiences with his expressive
performances.
His album Songs Without Words stands as a testament to his artistry, featuring collaborations with celebrated musicians such as flautist Sarah Calderwood and fiddle maestro Steve Wickham of The Waterboys. The album received widespread acclaim, and Peter has gone on to release seven full-length albums and ten singles
Peter’s talent has earned him numerous accolades, including Australian Celtic Artist of the Year and Australian Celtic Instrumental of the Year, along with recognition at the Hawaiian Big Island Music Awards for his contribution to the best compilation album.
His music has found its way to international audiences through film and television, with notable appearances on the cult UK series Skins and the Shania Twain documentary Why Not, produced by the Oprah Winfrey Network. Closer to home in South East Queensland, Peter is a familiar face at local venues and bars, where his performances continue to resonate with audiences.
Blending Celtic and folk influences, Peter Miller’s music is a journey of storytelling without words, a heartfelt expression of his passion and artistry.
“Peter Miller weaves a magic spell, do not listen too closely, cos you might get drawn in, and you might get taken away, and you might forget who you are”– John Spillane
“’Songs Without Words’ is a credible addition to any fingerstyle lover’s music collection” – UK Acoustic
“Aussie Peter Miller is in absolute control of the steel, wood and the vibrations emanating from his guitar”- www.minor7th.com
Dan Mahar is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and guitar instructor living in Sioux Falls, SD. Performing locally, regionally and internationally playing original compositions as well as cover songs.
Barth Harrington, recently retired principal of Scoil na mBuachaillí, steps on to the Clonakilty, International Guitar Festival stage for the first time!
Barth will play original songs with the support of Pat O’Grady on lead guitar, Margaret Deegan on Flute, Martin Kingston on Bass guitar, Deirdre Hayes on vocals, Ann Mc Kiernan on violin and James Carey on drums.
Barth, who has been writing songs since he was a college student, has performed on television and at Cork Opera House.
With the support of the staff and pupils of Scoil na mBuachaillí, two of Barth’s most popular songs were released as Christmas Charity singles. “Home, The Clonakilty Christmas Song” was later performed at Cork Opera House, while “Butterfly Child” was performed live on RTE television.
Both songs were produced with the support of John Fitzgerald and Karen O’Regan.
A regular participant in Shanley’s Thursday night Acoustic Session, Barth has also written four musicals for children: The Great Intergalactic Rescue Mission, Don’t Give Up!, Macbeth and The Brothers Faust, all of which were performed to packed audiences over the years.
Shimmer Boy (aka Aaron O’Sullivan) is an indie artist natively from Skibbereen, Ireland, blending emotional honesty with lush, cinematic production. His band brings gritty guitars, lo-fi synths, and ambient textures to tell stories of lost love, sobriety, and starting over. Drawing influence from acts like Snow Patrol, Lizzy McAlpine, and Medium Build, Shimmer Boy creates songs that feel like late-night confessions — intimate, nostalgic, and unafraid to sit with the quiet moments. Whether he’s writing about the aftermath of a breakup or the clarity that comes with sobriety, his sound captures the beauty in vulnerability and the glow that follows personal transformation.
Hailing from Clonakilty, Cork, Andrew Whelton is a folk/indie singer songwriter, releasing his debut single “What If Things Were Different” in September 2024. Andrew’s influences and balance of indie, pop and folk music have contributed to a unique and delicate sound.
Although early in his music career, Andrew has played as a support act for other established artists in iconic venues such as DeBarras Folk Club in Cork and Dolans in Limerick, with names such as Alfie Hudson-Taylor and Mick Flannery. Andrew’s delicate finger picking and interpretation of modern pop through the lens of classic folk is a welcome addition to the burgeoning music industry.
Andrew will be releasing his 4th single “Highway 3” during the festival, 1 year after the success of his debut single which was also released during the festival.
Finally Andrew will be preforming alongside his new band “Intricate”, alongside James Carey and Rian McCarthy, and will be performing some of their unreleased band tracks!
Bill Shanley is an internationally renowned guitarist and producer,
working with esteemed artists such as Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Mary Black and Sinead O’Connor.
Dublin based, Bill is one of Irelands top session and touring guitar players and producers. Bill has established himself internationally too, through touring and contributing to albums with Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Paul Brady, Mary Black, Roy Harper, Alexandra Burke, Sinead O’Connor, Judy Collins, Jackson Browne to name a few.
Being an accompanist has always been of key interest to Bill, enjoying the great scope and limitless backdrop you can create as a player for the artist you’re working with. This skill was commented on in the Financial Times review of a Ray Davies show a the Royal Albert Hall…
“Is there a finer sideman around?
It’s unlikely.” – Financial Times Review, Royal Albert Hall
Solo Work – Midnight Mission
Midnight Mission is the title of Bill Shanley’s second solo album. Original recordings inspired by the excitement and melodies of early electric guitar music. The album draws on Bill’s world class guitar playing and ability to write great, timeless melodies and features special guests Ray Davies and Paul Brady. Midnight Mission is Bill’s second solo release preceded by Fingerpainting.
‘Hailing from Kilkenny, Leitrim and Cork, Smithereens is the fabrication of a long burning desire to share art with dear friends and to make them dance their little arses off. With their unique blend of jazz, funk and grunge, this is an artistic ambition that regularly comes to fruition. Emotive songwriting paired with some not-too-shabby musicianship proves to work wonders both in the studio and at live shows, where the 4 lads seem to enjoy themselves even more than the audience.
Sold out gigs in the Kino (250 cap), as well as support slots for international big hitters such as High Fade and the success of their first Irish tour show that Smithereens have an innate hunger for gigging and making music. Smithereens have been described as ‘high energy, fun, and one of a kind. Listen to their new single, Ocean Floor, out right now!’