Music at Maddens #49 | From Maddens to Fairy Island with Ryan O'Donnell & Tracy Ryan

Ryan O'Donnell and Tracy Ryan join us in the snug for a conversation that begins where their story started—right here in Maddens.From the chance meeting that brought them together to life in Tipperary, they reflect on family, traditional music, raising two daughters, and the journey behind their debut album, Fairy Island. Ryan discusses stepping out from behind the role of accompanist to compose and arrange original music, while Tracy shares how motherhood, life experience, and a deeper connection to storytelling have shaped her singing.We also dive into the importance of preserving regional traditions, the research behind the album's songs, the creative process of recording together, and why traditional music continues to bring people—and places—together.A warm, honest conversation about love, music, heritage, and finding your own voice.🎻 Topics include:How Ryan and Tracy first met in MaddensThe story behind Fairy Island.Songwriting, arranging, and recording as a couple.Family life and passing music on to the next generation.Traditional music in Belfast, Tipperary, and beyond.The power of storytelling in Irish song.