Musical families are often the backbone of multi-generational continuity within that global community, and no musical family today is more impressive in upholding the best principles of the tradition than the Mulcahys of Abbeyfeale, West Limerick. Mick, Louise and Michelle Mulcahy play a dazzling array of instruments between them but it's the sweetness and tunefulness of their ensemble playing that is most striking. Their latest album 'Reelin in Tradition' has received worldwide acclaim, an album full of soulful traditional music rooted in the West Limerick, Sliabh Luachra and Clare tradition. "IF YOU like the 'pure drop', here it is - traditional Irish music at its natural, unadulterated and most seductive best" .

For those who really know their traditional music, the Mulcahy Family must rank as one of the most impressive musical families in Ireland today. Their musicianship is of the highest order and their collective ensemble playing is flawless. Their recent recording 'Reelin in Tradition' powerfully showcases their incredible range of multi-instrumental talent and virtuosity.' Martin Hayes

Read irish Times interviewwith The Mulcahy Family

Edel Fox is one of the most accomplished Irish musicians of her generation. A prized pupil of Noel Hill, she made her radio debut on Clare FM's 'Mist - Covered Mountain' at the tender age of seven. Edel plays music evocative of her native West Clare, with a joy and abandon that lifts the spirit.

Despite her young age, her musical resume boasts a list of accolades, she's a regular performer on Irish National Radio and the BBC and has performed in festivals and concert halls from North America all the way to Asia. In 2004, Edel was awarded one of the highest honours for a traditional musician in Ireland - the TG4 Young Musician of the Year award.

In addition to being an engaging performer, Edel is also an insightful and patient teacher, specializing in the repertoire of her native soil. She is on staff at the prestigious Willie Clancy Summer School in her home town, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare. She also teaches annually at festivals in the US, including the Irish Arts Week Festival in East Durham, NY. She has recently completed her studies in music at the University of Limerick and works presently in the media.

Ronan O'Flaherty grew up in County Galway surrounded by Irish music. His father, Coli, owns a famous music pub in Galway City where Ronan performs regularly with some of the finest players in Ireland.

Ronan has a great interest in the master players of the 1930's and 40's, notably James Morrison and Michael Coleman. A virtuoso fiddler, Ronan's playing is complex and technicality brilliant and brings a fresh, exciting interpretation to the repertoire of the old masters.

Website: www.edelandronan.com

Rosie Stewart, from Belcoo, County Fermanagh, is among the most distinguished of Irish traditional singers. Chosen as "Traditional Singer of the Year" for 2004 by the Irish Language Television Station, TG4, her distinctive voice and style, the dramatic intensity of her "big" song performances and the wicked pleasure she takes in comic ones, make her one of the most sought after singers in Ireland. She has performed throughout Ireland, on radio and television, and in Britain and North America. She has been singing for as long as she can remember and attributes her love of songs to her late father, the singer Packie McKeaney, a major influence and a great encouragement in her career. Stewart is noted for her artistry, her forceful, direct manner and purity of voice and style. She sings local Fermanagh songs including "Adieu to Lovely Garrison," the title of her highly acclaimed CD on Spring Records (1998).

Gerard Moloney originally from Co. Limerick but now residing in Kilkenny comes from a musical family background and when younger, competed regularly in Fleadh Cheoils winning several All-Ireland titles including the1989 Senior Piano Accordion title. He has toured the world extensively and has recorded with various groups including Kilkenny based group The Cracked Bucket Band. He has appeared several times on television and radio and played with a lot of well known musicians down the years.