Traditional Irish Song: Rónán Ó Conghaile

Single Tickets Available August 17

Presenting Series

The University of Notre Dame's many traditions come alive in a new addition to the Football Friday experience. In collaboration with the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, sean-nós singing makes its second appearance on the Presenting Series. This season, Rónán Ó Conghaile is the vessel for this ancient, unaccompanied, and highly ornamented style of traditional Irish vocal music full of emotion and incredible storytelling.

The 28-year-old sean-nós singer and dancer hails from Camus in the west of Ireland. Raised within a deeply rooted musical family, he grew up immersed in the living tradition of Irish song and dance. Songs have shaped his repertoire, passed down through generations and learned directly from his family, including his grandfather, Michael Mháire Ghabha Ó Ceannabháin, and his grandmother, Tess bn Uí Chonghaile.

A proud carrier of this heritage, Rónán is an Oireachtas champion and has established himself as a leading performer in both sean-nós singing and sean-nós dancing. His approach is grounded in authenticity, respect for tradition, and a strong connection to the Irish language and culture that underpin the art form.

He has rapidly built a reputation as both a competitor and a teacher, sharing his knowledge and passion for sean-nós with new generations while continuing to perform at the highest level. Through teaching, competing, and performing, he plays an active role in keeping the tradition vibrant, living, and evolving within contemporary Irish culture.

Pre-talk: A Conversation on Sean-nós Song & Dance with Rónán Ó Conghaile
Join the Keough-Naughton Institute and Irish Language Initiatives for a public conversation with Rónán Ó Conghaile and Prof. Sarah McKibben on the history, craft, and soul of traditional Irish performance. The event is on Friday, September 18, at 3:30 pm in 1050 Jenkins Nanovic Halls. Learn more and add to Google Calendar at the Institute's website.

---

This is a free but ticketed event. To guarantee your seat, please pick up your tickets at least 15 minutes prior to the show, at which point your unclaimed tickets may be used to seat patrons waiting on standby. Tickets will be available for pick-up at the Ticket Office beginning one hour prior to the performance.