The Team

Up until now the organisational structure has comprised Micheál Ó hAlmhain as Craiceann Originator / Owner, and a Management Group of David Lewis, Gary Fortune and Rolf Wagels.

After David has retired and Rolf has reduced his work to the website and social media, we have added three new members for the management team:
Please welcome Catriona, Cormac and Diarmaid, all well known to the Craiceann family as daughter resp. sons of Michael. All accomplished musicians themselves, they have been involved in Craiceann at different levels and tasks and are now part of the management team.

Micheál Ó hAlmhain

The leader of our team, and the originator and owner of Craiceann is Micheál Ó hAlmhain (pronounced – “mee-haul-oh-haul-oon”). He is a highly respected master of Irish music and culture. Although originally from Dublin, he married a lady from Inis Oirr, and now lives permanently on the island with his family. He is an expert player and teacher of many instruments including whistle, uileann pipes, flute, and concertina.  He has been part of many bands, most notably Ceoltoiri Laighin and The Chieftains, and still makes guest appearances at Irish music events around the world.

Caitríona Ní Almhain

Cormac Ó hAlmhain

Cormac has been helping Micheál with Craiceann in some capacity from the first rendition in 2001. He has watched it grow through the years into what it is now. From attending classes in the first number of years, playing and organising music in the pubs in later hears, to now taking a more direct managerial role, he is excited to be more involved.

Diarmaid Ó hAlmhain

Diarmaid has seen Mícheál and the whole team grow the Craiceann festival into the powerhouse bodhrán summer school that it is today. From playing for various bodhrán players over the years at the concerts, to joining mega-bodhrán sessions in Neds or the hotel or Ruairís, Diarmaid is delighted to be able to add to the organising of festival going forward.

Gary Fortune

Gary has been coming to Craiceann for many years, both as student and voluntary support to the organisers.  He is a fine bodhrán player, and also makes tippers as a hobby.  He is a senior manager in a large IT multinational. He brings wide experience and a range of skills, and is a great addition to the Management Team.

Rolf Wagels

Rolf from Hanover in Germany is our esteemed webmaster and social media admin. He used to be an organiser and part of the Management team, but had to cut his involvement a bit. He is a renowned bodhrán player and teacher, and works and lectures at the University of Veterinary medicine in Hannover in his “other life”. He started teaching at Craiceann 2005 and grew into the management over the following years.

Emeritus – David Lewis

David was a long time organiser and member of the Management Team. He is from Dublin, and as a bodhrán player himself came to the first event in 2001 and has been here every year since. An early retirement from his professional career as a Brewmaster in Guinness has given him time to devote to Craiceann, and also to make some bodhráns as a part-time interest. David retired in 2023, but is still around as an adviser and consultant for the management team.