Máirtín de Cógáin, a renowned playwright and actor, is a singing, dancing, and story-telling bodhrán player who captivates audiences in his native Ireland and throughout the U.S. With his infectious personality, he effortlessly commands attention from concert halls to intimate porches. Descended from a long line of storytellers and boasting two CCÉ All-Ireland’s for Storytelling, Máirtín finds joy in nothing more than sharing his tales. Catch him spinning a few yarns and you’re in for a treat.

When touring the globe with The Máirtín de Cógáin Project & The Fuchsia Band, Máirtín is also a true promoter of the Ballad. He is searching ever for those forgotten songs of old to give them new life, and also writes some of his own. Máirtín learned from famous Irish singers like Danni Maichi Ua Súilleabháin, Séamus Mac Mathúna, and Ciarán Dwyer. As a fluent speaker of Irish (Gaelic), his love for the ‘Teanga na Gael’ stems from his bilingual upbringing and education in primary & secondary schools taught in the medium of Irish.

Máirtín is a multi-talented artist who has even earned a degree in the Irish language from University College Cork. He is not only a singer, storyteller, dancer, and bodhrán player on stage but also an actor who has appeared in the film The Wind that Shakes the Barley. Máirtín has co-written many productions with the Be Your Own Banana Theatre Company and notably played De Bogman off-broadway in NY.

Máirtín is a seasoned bodhrán player who has learned from renowned musicians such as Eric Cunningham and Colm Murphy of The New and Old Dé Danann. He has shared his expertise in Bodhrán technique at various events including Catskills Irish Arts Week, August Irish Week, Kansas City Irish Fest, CelticFest Mississippi, Minnesota Irish Fair, and La Crosse IrishFest. Máirtín also offers private tutorials during his tours. Contact him to schedule a lesson and improve your skills.

 

Máirtín, a gifted teacher of Cork’s folk dances, grew up in a house full of dancing. He started teaching the steps at family-run Céilís from an early age. Máirtín is known for making friends easily wherever he goes. He and his band, the Fuchsia Band, along with “Project,” have become regulars at some of the most prestigious Irish festivals in the U.S. Although he now lives in San Diego, California, Máirtín has taken up Snake Charming & Bird Watching when not on the road. He hopes to have A Big Year one day!

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Heard on the Street

“Máirtín is a superb entertainer and a fine gentleman.  He has been a delightful radio guest on Celtic Connections, and I found him to be a highly energetic and thoroughly enjoyable stage performer at our Southern Illinois Irish Festival.  Máirtín is where it’s happening!” – Bryan Kelso Crow, host of NPR’s Celtic Connections

“It’s great to see a true artist at work.” – Paddy Reilly

“A 21st Century Seanachie!” – Midwest Irish Focus

“You should have kept the beard. Pretty cover all the same.” – Mother in law, January 2011

“Mairtin has really impressed me with his passion and knowledge of the Irish tradition; be it singing, inventive bodhrán playing or storytelling. The man has a natural, engaging way with people. Mairtin is set for great things! ” – Jimmy Crowley

“Cork’s Máirtín de Cógáin is a seanachie, and there ain’t many left. He is a wonderful, total entertainer. Bigtime new talent! “- Bill Margeson from www.LiveIreland.com

“Mairtin, you are the best thing going, the ‘genuine article’ as it were with understanding and passion. Like an old beer commercial from years age, ‘It just doesn’t get any better than this!’– Mike Mazur, Storyteller

“Hope it sells well.” – Bob, my bank manager