Music at Madden’s - Episode 47: Glengormley School of Traditional Music

In this episode of Music at Madden’s, Lynette welcomes Ray Morgan and Maria Rafferty from Glengormley School of Traditional Music to the snug upstairs in Madden’s Bar.As Belfast prepares to host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2026, the podcast continues its look at the traditional music communities shaping the city and beyond. Ray and Maria share the story of how a small tin whistle group in the corner of St Enda’s GAC grew into a thriving school of traditional music, now celebrating 25 years of teaching, playing, volunteering and building community.They talk about Thursday nights at Edmund Rice College, the importance of giving young people access to instruments, the role of competitions, the value of sessions, and what the Fleadh coming to Belfast could mean for the next generation of musicians.A warm conversation about music, community, legacy and the people keeping Belfast’s traditional scene alive.