Talented Clare musician, River McGann, will be the focus on this Friday evenings episode of Nationwide on RTÉ 1 television at 7pm.
Indeed, the programme will be very Ennis dominated, as Ennis presenter Zainab Boladale has been sent to speak to her fellow townie as he prepares to perform at this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford.
Earlier this year, River won the title of The Fiddler of London, a hugely prestigious award in the fiddling world.
“I have never been as happy as I am now,” he said after winning.
“There were a couple of names I was expecting him [the judge] to say when he was calling the winner, and mine was definitely not one of those names. Everybody was so incredibly good.
“I have never been as happy as I am. It’s very surreal. It’s a legend of trad music to win Fiddler of London so this is just crazy. It still hasn’t set in and I’m sure I’ll be all emotional when it does but right now I’m just enjoying the high.”
The Rice College student describes the weekend at the festival in London as a “brilliant” experience. He was joined there by his father Evan and aunt Laura who cheered him on all the way.
River credits his grandfather Gerry with fostering his love of music, and while he couldn’t be there in person he was certainly in River’s thoughts during the ceremony.
“My granddad Gerry is where it all started, he’s the reason I play. He bought me my first fiddle and I wouldn’t be where I am now without him. When I see him next maybe we will have to go for a few tunes in the Diamond.”
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Andrew Hamilton is a journalist, investigative reporter and podcaster who has been working in the media in Ireland for the past 20 years. His areas of special interest include the environment, mental health and politics.