World Photography by Karen Skelly Donegal

World Photography by Karen Skelly Donegal Professional Industry Photographer . National International Musical Events Live shows. Based in Ireland. Touring enquiries welcome. Private Events.

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11/08/2026

“The King of Cool - Magical Michael “

There is something mesmerising about watching a truly great drummer when the whole band is completely locked in.

Everything looks effortless. The timing is instinctive, the musicians are breathing together, the bass and drums are joined at the hip, and every change, every fill and every hit seems to happen exactly when it should.

But what we don’t see is the incredible concentration underneath it all.

Years of experience, discipline, listening, anticipation and muscle memory have shaped that ability to make something extraordinarily difficult look completely natural.

It reminds me of a swan gliding effortlessly across a lake. From above, all you see is the calm, beautiful movement. Underneath the water, those legs are paddling like mad.

That’s a great drummer.

Calm on the surface. Working incredibly hard underneath.

And when they get the whole band locked in you can actually feel the togetherness. That’s when a band becomes more than a collection of musicians playing the same song. They become one unit, moving and breathing together.

That, to me, is the magic of a truly great drummer - Michael Christie .

🎥 World Photography 🇮🇪

Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music FestivalHot Press MagazineIrish Music Magazine officialJohnny Gallagher & The Boxty bandThe Kings of CoolMichael Christie

🎸 SAMANTHA FISH | PAPER DOLL TOUR 2026 🎸One of the highlights of my photography year so far has been following Samantha ...
11/08/2026

🎸 SAMANTHA FISH | PAPER DOLL TOUR 2026 🎸

One of the highlights of my photography year so far has been following Samantha Fish during her Paper Doll Tour.

I had an official photo pass for Samantha’s show at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London on 28 February 2026, where we were permitted to photograph the first three songs. As anyone who has shot in a busy photo pit will know, those first three songs can be a bit of a scrum, and I have to admit I didn’t feel that I had really settled into the shoot and got the captures I wanted during those opening minutes.

Then I realised something rather wonderful. We had permission to photograph from different levels throughout this beautiful historic venue, so I grabbed my Canon R5 and RF 70-200mm f/2.8 and headed upstairs.

From the balconies and further back in the venue, I could shoot across the audience and suddenly I had a completely different perspective. I normally don’t include much of the audience in my concert photography, but on this occasion I think it really works. You can see just how completely enthralled the crowd were by Samantha’s performance.

And what a performance it was. ⚡️

Her stage presence was phenomenal, her guitar playing was outstanding as always, and the whole evening was absolutely electrifying. I was also delighted to have the opportunity to meet Samantha afterwards. She was every bit as lovely and genuine as I had hoped.

A few months later , I headed over to Chiari, Italy, to see Samantha again. It was a completely different venue and a completely different experience. A much more intimate setting, and one of those very special evenings where you feel incredibly close to the artist and the music.

We were also among the first audiences to hear songs from the Paper Doll Live album performed live, which made the evening even more memorable.

Two countries. Two very different venues. Two very different photographic experiences. One incredible artist.

The journey continues… 📸🎸❤️

🇺🇸 And for my U.S. followers…

As I’ll be stateside again in September, I’m hoping to capture Samantha Fish once more, and I’d love some recommendations from those of you who know the American circuit better than I do.

Are there any particular venues on Samantha’s upcoming tour that you think would be especially interesting to photograph her in? I’m not familiar with all of the venues, so any recommendations, tips or insights from those who have experienced them would be greatly appreciated.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Which venue should I make a point of capturing Samantha in? 🎸📸🇺🇸

A snapshot of the incredible Samantha Fish, captured on 28 February 2026 at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, durin...
09/08/2026

A snapshot of the incredible Samantha Fish, captured on 28 February 2026 at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, during her Paper Doll World Tour.

An unforgettable night of powerful vocals, fiery guitar playing and pure rock ’n’ roll energy. 🔥🎶

📸 World Photography by Karen Skelly

One of Ballyshannon’s great creatives, whether on land or on the high seas, made a memorable appearance in the closing d...
05/08/2026

One of Ballyshannon’s great creatives, whether on land or on the high seas, made a memorable appearance in the closing drumming session of the Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival. Slightly in character in the photograph, yet instantly recognisable by his trademark beard !

It was a fitting way to bookend the festival. Barry Britton’s exhibition in the Abbey Arts Centre officially opened the celebrations on Thursday evening, and it seemed only right that he should also play a part in the closing ceremony, this time on a more musical note.

Barry’s artwork has become one of the defining visual signatures of the festival. His designs are instantly recognisable, and this year’s magnificent festival poster, featuring Johnny Gallagher and The Big Box Ceili Band, was no exception.

Barry has a deep love of live music. I often see him at gigs, quietly standing in the crowd, watching, absorbing and appreciating every nuance of a performance. I have no doubt those hours spent observing musicians at work help shape the remarkable artwork he produces. His posters capture far more than a likeness. They reflect movement, energy, expression and personality, freezing a fleeting musical moment in a way that only a gifted artist can.

It is a rare talent, and one that has become synonymous with the Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival. His work not only documents the festival’s history but also enhances it, creating treasured collector’s pieces that celebrate the musicians and the spirit of the event itself.

The festival committee is undoubtedly fortunate to have someone of Barry’s vision and artistic ability contributing so much to its identity, year after year. His work has become as much a part of the festival as the music itself.

📸 World Photography

Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music FestivalDonegal Democrat / Donegal LiveLocal HandsGo Visit DonegalThe Kings of Cool

Looking like an absolute goddess, Shauna Mullin took her rightful place with one of Ireland’s most iconic and influentia...
05/08/2026

Looking like an absolute goddess, Shauna Mullin took her rightful place with one of Ireland’s most iconic and influential traditional bands, Dé Danann, continuing the remarkable lineage of powerful female voices that have graced the group over the decades, including Dolores Keane, Maura O’Connell, Mary Black, and Eleanor Shanley.

Standing to her right was Frankie Gavin, founding member of Dé Danann, established in 1974 in An Spidéal, County Galway. An All-Ireland fiddle and flute champion by the age of just 17, Gavin has long been regarded as one of Ireland’s greatest traditional musicians. His remarkable career has seen him collaborate with artists across many genres, including a little band called The Rolling Stones. Through a friendship forged with Keith Richards, whom he met while Richards was holidaying in the west of Ireland, Frankie was invited to record fiddle on the Rolling Stones’ Voodoo Lounge sessions at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin in 1994.

For Ballyshannon’s own Shauna Mullin, stepping into a role previously occupied by some of Ireland’s finest singers was no small honour. Yet she made it unmistakably her own. Singing with a voice that came from a place of confidence, warmth and inner strength, she delivered every song with conviction. Her powerful, emotive vocals reached every corner of the audience, while her gracious manner reflected just how much she appreciated the opportunity to perform alongside such gifted musicians.

The response from the audience said it all. Each performance was met with rapturous applause, with the warmth shown to Shauna returned a thousandfold by those fortunate enough to witness it.

This year’s Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival will surely be remembered as one of the finest in recent years. Musically, it was an extraordinary weekend, showcasing the very best of Irish traditional music and confirming once again why this festival remains so special.

With next year marking the 50th anniversary of the festival, anticipation is already building. If this year’s celebrations are anything to go by, the golden anniversary promises to be something truly exceptional. The longest-running folk festival in Ireland, held in Ireland’s oldest town, has every reason to celebrate this remarkable milestone. There is no doubt that preparations are already beginning, and next year’s festival is certain to be one of the standout events on Ireland’s cultural calendar.

📸World Photography

Kaitlin Cullen -Verhauz , Shauna Mullin . Frankie Gavin

Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music FestivalDonegal Democrat / Donegal LiveHot Press MagazineGo Visit DonegalIrish Music Magazine official

03/08/2026

The Big Box Céilí Band owned the stage and every inch of it on the final night of the 49th Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival, the oldest folk festival in Ireland, held in Ireland’s oldest town.

The intensity of the performance is captured here, with musicians at the very top of their game. Each is an exceptional artist in their own right, with years of experience performing on stages at home and abroad. Together they created one of the most spectacular displays of traditional music imaginable.

Many of these musicians are local, a testament to the incredible strength of Ireland’s traditional music scene, particularly here in the northwest, a region that continues to produce remarkably gifted and creative performers.

This was one of those unforgettable nights when every member of the band gave absolutely everything to the music. It was wonderful to see these performers, many of whom feature on Barry Britton’s iconic festival poster this year, come alive on stage.

As an aside, I had the pleasure of speaking with Barry about the remarkable process behind creating this year’s festival poster. It is magnificent in both its detail and its grandeur. Barry invited many of the musicians to his home, where he carefully observed their character, their expressions and the movement of each performer as they played their individual instruments. I think that dedication is captured so eloquently in his artwork. The finished poster is far more than a festival programme. It is a work of art in its own right and, I have no doubt, has already become a collector’s item.

Every movement, every note and every ounce of energy reflected the musicians’ passion and commitment.

A musical instrument is so much more than wood, strings, reeds or skin. It becomes a window into the soul of the musician, carrying emotion, tradition and artistry from performer to audience. Each instrument has its own distinctive voice, yet together they blend into something truly magical.

It was an honour and a privilege to be in the company of these outstanding musicians who gave their all from beginning to end. The 49th Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music Festival was an exceptionally entertaining celebration of music and culture, and enormous credit must go to the organisers, whose dedication continues to make this festival one of Ireland’s greatest musical traditions.

The level of musicianship and craftsmanship on display throughout the weekend was extraordinary and could scarcely be bettered anywhere. It is a festival that continues to celebrate the very best of Irish traditional music and the people who keep it alive.

📸 World Photography

Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music FestivalDonegal Democrat / Donegal LiveRORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVALMundyGeorge MurphyAndrew Fletcher MusicThe Whisky FlowersMichael ChristieJohnny Gallagher & The Boxty band

02/08/2026

🎶 What a show. What an opportunity. 🎶

A huge credit to George Murphy for bringing the incredibly talented Andrew Fletcher from Cork to Ballyshannon this weekend.

Andrew was fortunate to have been under the wing of Glen Hansard, who took a genuine interest in his music and encouraged him along the way. Glen clearly recognised a remarkable talent in this young singer, songwriter and guitarist.

In the wake of Glen’s passing, it was heartwarming to see George put his arm around Andrew and give him the opportunity to share his music on stage during what has been an emotional weekend for so many who knew and loved Glen. It was a fitting way to honour Glen’s legacy by supporting the next generation of Irish musicians, just as he always did. ❤️

Andrew delivered a wonderful performance and showed exactly why Glen believed in him. His talent, humility and stage presence shone through, and I’m sure this won’t be the last time we hear his name.

If you’re in the Cork area, particularly around Whitegate, keep an eye out for Andrew playing in local pubs and venues. Go along and support him if you get the chance. You won’t be disappointed. 🎸🎤

A warm Ballyshannon welcome to Andrew on what was, I believe, his first visit to the festival. I have a feeling it certainly won’t be his last. ☘️

Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music FestivalAndrew Fletcher MusicDonegal Democrat / Donegal LiveHot Press MagazineCork BeoLive at The Marquee, CorkThe FramesGeorge Murphy

02/08/2026

🎶❤️ As the Irish music community prepares to bid a final farewell to their beloved friend Glen Hansard in the coming days, the Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival has inadvertently become a heartfelt celebration of his extraordinary musical legacy. Many of the performers gracing the stages this weekend have known Glen personally, shared a stage with him, been inspired by him, or had their own musical journeys shaped by his life and music. Every tribute has been offered with genuine respect, grace and gratitude.

With fellow Dubliners George Murphy & The Rising Suns in town this weekend, they invited a special guest Aoife to the stage for a breathtaking rendition of “Falling Slowly”, the Oscar-winning song from the 2007 film Once, which Glen co-wrote. ✨

If music truly is a healer, then this weekend has been living proof. Every corner of Ballyshannon has been filled with songs, stories, laughter and friendship. ❤️ Whether on the stage or among the crowd, the genuine love people have for music has been impossible to miss.

If you’ve never experienced a live concert, I would encourage you to go. It doesn’t matter if it’s a festival, a local session, a free gig or a ticketed performance. Just go once and allow yourself to experience the power of live music. It has a remarkable way of bringing people together and spirits. 🎶✨

This weekend has been a testament to that. People have been having the most wonderful time, and at several moments it has been deeply emotional, with heartfelt tributes paid to Glen Hansard and his remarkable contribution to Irish music. 💚

Music has a way of uniting us, comforting us and reminding us of what really matters. This weekend in Ballyshannon has been a beautiful celebration of exactly that. ❤️☘️

📸World Photography

Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Music FestivalGeorge MurphyHot Press MagazineGlen HansardThe FramesDonegal Democrat / Donegal LiveIrish Daily MirrorIrishCentral.comAndrew Fletcher MusicThe Irish TimesTourism IrelandIrish Music Magazine official

02/08/2026

🌟 A New Rising Star for George Murphy & The Rising Suns 🌟

Night Two of the 49 th Ballyshannon Folk & Traditional Music Festival 2026

Just when we thought the magic of the opening night couldn’t possibly be surpassed, night two took things to an entirely different level.

One of those unforgettable festival moments came with a stunning rendition of “Dirty Old Town” in Ireland’s oldest town. Written in 1949 by Ewan MacColl, who was the father of the late Kirsty MacColl, famous for her collaboration with The Pogues on Fairytale of New York, the song was first made famous by The Dubliners in 1968 before The Pogues introduced it to a whole new generation in 1985. Judging by what we witnessed last night, another generation has now embraced this timeless classic, and its future is in very safe hands.

The talking point of the festival has to be Charlie.

For me, he was the highlight of the weekend. It was an absolute joy to watch this young lad find his feet on a stage that I am certain will become very familiar to him in the years ahead.

Standing at the front of the stage, George couldn’t help but notice Charlie playing along on his guitar throughout the set. Then came the moment. To huge cheers and applause from the packed marquee, George invited Charlie up on stage.

He floated up the steps as if his feet barely touched them, yet once he stood beside George Murphy & The Rising Suns, he looked completely at home. Calm, confident and born for the spotlight.

The smiles on George and his Dublin bandmates said it all. Their faces were filled with pride, admiration and genuine delight as they welcomed Charlie into the fold. It was heartwarming to watch them encourage him, support him and simply enjoy the pure innocence and talent of a young musician living out a dream.

Charlie has a stage presence well beyond his years, and by the end of the song there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

As George said afterwards, moments like this restore your faith in music. He couldn’t have put it better.

A huge thank you to George Murphy & The Rising Suns for making the trip to Donegal once again. They are always guaranteed the warmest of welcomes here, and judging by the packed tent, the singing, the dancing and the atmosphere, the people of Ballyshannon were delighted to have them back.

And, of course, as always, the celebrations continued long into the small hours, right through to the rising sun over Ballyshannon.

Some nights are great. Some become memories.

This was one of those moments. LIVE and UNEDITED !

📸World Photography

Folk and Traditional Music FestivalHot Press MagazineRORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVALDonegal Democrat / Donegal LiveMundyThe FramesDonegal DailySharon ShannonDonegal DancersIrish Daily MirrorGeorge Murphy

01/08/2026

Mundy’s Friday night performance at the Ballyshannon Folk and Traditional Festival was far more than just another concert. It came at a deeply emotional time for Ireland’s music community following the tragic passing of one of its most cherished artists, Oscar winner, humanitarian, and extraordinary creative force, Glen Hansard.

This was a night filled with raw emotion. With Glen’s funeral taking place in Dublin on Tuesday, where Mundy will no doubt join family, friends, and fellow musicians in celebrating the life of his dear friend through music, he carried on with remarkable grace and generosity.

Then came this moment. As he let rip on the guitar, the emotion seemed to pour out through every note. It was powerful, heartfelt, and completely unfiltered. Sometimes words simply are not enough. The music says everything.

MundyBallyshannon Folk and Traditional Music FestivalBallyshannon Rhythm & BluesHot Press Magazine

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