Offaly musician wins prestigious London award
A young musician from Offaly has been crowned this year's Fiddler of London, the prestigious award established to honour the memory of Westmeath 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 ten 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 them performing.
As part of his new role, Ademar is the official 'Fiddler in residence for the Irish community' in London for the next year and will perform at high profile events across the English capitol, including at the Irish Embassy.
He will also get to perform at Belfast Trad Fest, the Ballyshannon Folk Festivaland Feile Oriel in Monaghan, and will also be guaranteed a prime slot on the main stage at this year's All Ireland Fleadh 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.
Now in its third year, Eilish says that the Fiddler of London has grown into a global inclusive annual event with entries from all age groups.
“The youngest entrant was ten years old and the eldest, seventy-five years. 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 truly 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 his journey as The Fiddler of London progresses throughout the year and then come December, we will be opening the competition entry window for The Fiddler of London 2024,” she ended.