ABOUT DIANE
NÍ CHANAINN

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Meet Your Tutor

Forged out of the centuries-old traditions of her native Donegal, Diane Cannon is a singer who brings the songs and the music played by the hearth fire of a long gone Ceilí house, to the sophisticated tastes of a 21st century audience.

From Meenlaragh, which nestles between spectacular Errigal and the Islands of Tory and Inisboffin in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht, Diane inherited her musical talents from both sides of her family; all four grandparents were accomplished musicians and singers.

As a youngster Diane frequently won competitions and she competes successfully to this day, most recently winning first place in the prestigious Comortas Cuimhneacháin Shéain Óig Uí Thuama at Oireachtas na Gaeilge.

Diane’s daughter Kelly Ní Chanainn who she proudly raised, mentoring and steeping her in traditional Irish music and the Irish language is a fine singer in her own right and has previously recorded with Lillis O Laoire, Doimnic Man Giolla Bhríde and also on Diane’s latest album Idir Mhuir agus Sliabh.

Diane also is a regular presenter on radio shows with RTE Radio na Gaeltachta, BBC Radio Ulster, Radio Fáilte, Highland Radio and Celtic Music Radio. She also has been learning Scottish Gaidhlic in the Isle of Skye for a number of years, and also established a new festival called Féile Nasc na nGael in Donegal connecting with the Scottish and Irish Gaelic communities.