MALBAY Studios, which is run by Martin, Anne and Seán O’Malley, will be the recipient of the 2022 MÓRglór award.
MÓRglór is an acknowledgement and celebration by glór of the wealth of artistic talent within the county, all of whom provide a vital stimulus for the growth and development of Clare’s unique culture.
This annual award, named after Clare’s cultural ambassador and visionary, Muiris Ó Rocháin, is curated by glór in partnership with Dr Tim Collins as producer of the event, and who coordinated the original concert in 2013.
An anonymous panel of traditional arts practitioners and experts, assembled by glór, selects an awardee, fitting with the objectives and spirit of MÓRglór.
With the vista of the Atlantic as a backdrop, Malbay Studios is an integral part of the musical landscape of Clare.
Under the careful and patient stewardship of Martin O’Malley, Malbay Studios has a reputation of distinction in recording, production and mastering since its establishment in 1997.
It has hosted music makers from many musical traditions, and from many places; most especially, it has contributed immeasurably to the community of traditional music in County Clare.
The O’Malley musical genes run deep in West Clare and the studio has built on those solid foundations in the 21st century.
By way of Dublin roots and Boston travels, settling in Miltown Malbay was a homecoming for Martin and his wife Anne, his partner in the business.
Now joined by his son, Seán O’Malley, Malbay Studios is truly a family enterprise.
Martin’s distinction as a sound engineer is matched by his standing as a songwriter and musician. That musicianship is key to his success as a sound engineer, bringing technical and musical mastery to recording and live event engineering.
Malbay Studios is central to the music community and includes an enviable roll call of artists, including the Kilfenora Céilí Band, Tommy Peoples, Josephine Marsh, Donal Lunny & the Atlantic Arc Orchestra, and Cherish the Ladies, among many others.
On Saturday October 22, musicians across the country along with the people of Clare will come together for a concert in glór to acknowledge a depth of gratitude to Malbay Studios for their enormous contribution to traditional Irish music.
The concert will feature family, friends, and extended family, along with some of the most renowned traditional musicians and singers in the county and the country.
The line up includes The Kilfenora Céilí Band; PJ Murrihy; Bríd O’Donoghue and the O’Brien Family; Josephine Marsh; Eoin O’Neill and the Fiddle Case; Tommy McCarthy &Louise Costello and Francis Cunningham and Eimear Coughlan with many more to be announced.
Orla Flanagan, Director of Glór says ‘We are thrilled to honour and celebrate Malbay Studio’s significant contribution to the traditional music landscape of Clare and beyond.
“I know that the panel were unanimous in the selection of this year’s Awardee, and it is wonderful to celebrate both the creative expression and the technical expertise that Malbay Studios has excelled in, enabling such a diverse range of traditional artists over the past thirty years. We look forward to a very special concert.”
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.