Please join the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies and the Irish Language Initiatives for a public conversation with sean-nós singer and dancer Rónán Ó Conghaile and Prof. Sarah McKibben. Ó Conghaile will discuss the traditions and histories of Irish dance and song as well as his own experience as a competitor and teacher of sean-nós singing.
The conversation will be followed by a performance by Rónán Ó Conghaile at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center's Patricia George Decio Theatre at 7:30 pm. This performance is a free but ticketed event. Reserve your tickets here.
About Rónan Ó Conghaile
Rónán Ó Conghaile is a sean-nós singer and dancer from Camus in the west of Ireland. Raised within a deeply rooted musical family, he grew up immersed in the living tradition of Irish song and dance. His repertoire has been shaped by songs passed down through generations, learned directly from his family, including his grandfather Michael Mháire Ghabha Ó Ceannabháin and his grandmother Tess bn Uí Chonghaile.
A proud carrier of this heritage, Rónán is an Oireachtas champion and has established himself as a leading performer in both sean-nós singing and sean-nós dancing. His approach is grounded in authenticity, respect for tradition, and a strong connection to the Irish language and culture that underpin the art form.
At only 28 years of age, he has already built a reputation as both a competitor and a teacher, sharing his knowledge and passion for sean-nós with new generations while continuing to perform at the highest level. Through teaching, competing, and performing, he plays an active role in keeping the tradition vibrant, living, and evolving within contemporary Irish culture.