Damien Connelly playing in the Pub Friday May 3rd from 6-8pm.

Originally from Co. Clare, Ireland, and now living in the U.S., Damien began learning the accordion when he was 11 years old, taught by his father Martin. He competed in the Fleadhanna (Irish Music Competitions) throughout his teenage years, taking first place both locally and regionally. At age 16, he took up the fiddle, under the tutelage of his step-mother Maureen Glynn of Brooklyn NY. In 1997, Damien took first place in both the Under-18 All Ireland accordion and melodeon competition held in Ballina, Co. Mayo. The following year, he recorded three melodeon tracks on his father’s CD entitled Back to Brooklyn. In 2000, he recorded his first accordion and melodeon CD, Tippin Away, accompanied by guitarist Pete Mancuso of New York. This CD was generously praised by renowned accordion players Joe Burke, Joe Derrane and Bobby Gardiner.