HUP! Offaly Hall of Fame 2024 - Bernadette Mooney Dunne

Bernadette Mooney - Dunne, has been selected to receive the prestigious Tullamore TradFest ‘Hall of Fame Award’ 2024 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Irish traditional music, song and dance. The accomplished musician has become a well known figure for encouraging and promoting Irish culture locally, nationally and internationally.

Some of Bernadette’s most memorable accolades include, the Comhaltas Tour to America in 1993 and her winning performance in the Grúpa Ceoil at Scór Sinsir for Rahan CCÉ in 1990 and not to mention her countless successes with underage céilí bands over the years.

Always encouraged by her father, the late Tommy Joe Mooney, Bernadette dedicated her whole youth to Comhaltas, achieving medals in solo competitions from U11 upwards to U18 not only on her trusty 2 row Paolo Soprani accordion but also on 3 row accordion, melodeon, and the concertina. She also regularly placed in duets, trios, and céilí bands.

It is however Bernadettes work with underage céilí bands that most will relate to. The ‘Lann Eala Céilí Band’ is a household name nationwide and has played a pivitol role in the development of countless musicians from Offaly, giving them a lifetime of memories making friends playing in competitions from Offaly, Leinster and All Ireland Fleadhs. No better woman to keep the beat and to represent Offaly at All Ireland standards.