Midlands musician crowned Fiddler of London
A young musician from the midlands has been crowned this year’s Fiddler of London, an award established to honour the memory of Killucan native Justin Whelehan.
Ademar O’Connor from Edenderry is the first non-UK resident to win the award, which was launched in 2020 after Justin’s untimely passing in 2019.
A multi-instrumentalist who has won numerous All Ireland titles, Ademar was one of 10 musicians chosen by judge Zoe Conway to perform at the gala final in the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith on Saturday last. Ademar and his fellow finalists were picked from scores of musicians from around the world who submitted videos of themselves performing.
As part of his new role, Ademar is the offical ‘Fiddler in residence for the Irish community’ in London for the next year and will perform at high profile events across the city, including at the Irish Embassy.
He will also get to perform at Belfast Trad Fest, the Ballyshannon Folk Festival and Feile Oriel in Monaghan, and will also be guaranteed a prime slot on the main stage at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil in Mullingar.
The Fiddler of London Festival was set up by Justin’s widow, Eilsh Byrne-Whelehan, following his death four years ago.
A carpenter by trade who moved to London in 1985, Justin had an abiding love of traditional music and regularly attended sessions.
"Away from his work, Justin found sanctuary and camaraderie in the London Irish music scene, which was where we first met," said Eilish, who is a five-time all-Ireland champion and also the musical director of the Feith an Cheoil School of Irish Traditional Music and The London Celtic Youth Orchestra.
Justin and Eilish also passed on their love of traditional music to their children Olivia and son Christy, who are both accomplished musicians.
The award is now in its third year, and Eilsh says it has grown into a global inclusive annual event that attracts entries from all age groups.
"The youngest entrant was 10 years old and the eldest, 75. It is not just a music competition; it is about the whole ethos of music and the social inclusion and friendship it brings no matter what age you are. The global reach has been phenomenal.
"I am looking forward to next year and plans are already in place to grow the competition and reach more people of different genres.
"On a personal note, as the director of the project, I am thrilled at how well the competition continues to be received in its third year. It continues to be an uplifting project to work on and still brings the children and I positivity and direction.
"I am looking forward to watching Ademar’s story unfold as The Fiddler of London throughout the year and then come December, we will be opening the competition entry for The Fiddler of London 2024."