Meet the 14-Year-Old Maestro Mastering Seven Instruments for Belfast's Big Fleadh

Seamus McClean is a talented 14-year-old from Northern Ireland who can play seven different musical instruments. He is part of a musical family that includes his parents, Niall and Bronagh, and his siblings Dominic, Mary Cait, and Orla. Seamus plays the tin whistle, piano, violin, flute, guitar, and uilleann pipes. This summer, the McClean family is preparing for a very special event: Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the world’s largest festival of Irish music and dance, which is coming to Belfast. The family is excited because they hope to perform together at the festival.

Niall and Bronagh McClean have played a big role in bringing the Fleadh to Belfast. Niall, who has been playing Irish traditional music for over 40 years, says having the festival in their city is a dream come true. He is the co-chair of the organizing committee, and Bronagh is helping to plan the main stage events. Usually, the Fleadh is held in other parts of Ireland, so the McClean family would have to travel a long way to attend. This year, it is just a short trip from their home in north Down, which makes it even more special for them.

The McClean family has a deep connection to Irish music. Niall grew up in a musical household, with his mother as a music teacher and his father also playing music. There were seven children in his family, and they all played instruments together. About 20 years ago, Niall and Bronagh started music classes in Bangor to give young musicians a chance to learn and play together. Some of their former students are now teaching music themselves. The Fleadh is organized by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, an association that supports Irish music and culture. The festival will feature musicians of all ages, playing a variety of instruments, and will take place from August 2 to August 9. Organizers expect it to be a multicultural event, with many different musical traditions represented. Niall believes it will be one of the best Fleadhs ever and that Belfast will remember it for many years to come.