Cróga, Sligo trio, launch new CD

CRÓGA is a group of three women with Moninne Fitzpatrick on fiddle, Catherine Kearns on concertina and Mary Branley on mandolin and guitar. This trio has evolved over many years of playing together in Ellen’s Bar in Maugherow. Their first CD Let a New Song Pour weaves traditional, contemporary and eclectic arrangements into old tunes, and includes the original songs, tunes, found music and poetry of Mary Branley.  CRÓGA means brave hearts. The CD will be launched in Ellen’s Pub, Maugherow on Dec 20th, with a great night of music and poetry promised.

The CD is available to buy here on Sligo Hub for €12 plus postage. https://sligohub.com/product/croga-cd/

Moninne Fitzpatrick grew up in Dublin in a classical music household. She developed a passion for the tunes and immersed herself in traditional music over the past six years. She loves the challenge of veering away from the norm creating unusual harmonies and spontaneous counter melodies. Moninne arranges most of our music.

Catherine Kearns grew up steeped in traditional music and dance. The music and teaching of Margaret Rhatigan is an ongoing influence on her music. Catherine attended the famous Traditional Music Course in Drumshanbo for three years, and now plays with a number of groups and musicians. Catherine enjoys the heartfelt intensity of combining word and music.

Mary Branley, writer, poet and composer, also the played with Margaret Rhatigan and attended the Trad Music course in Drumshanbo with Catherine. They co founded the popular Ellen’s session in 2009. Mary loves performing her original work with Catherine and Moninne.

Producer Brain Sweeney recorded the CD with CROGA over the last year.