Fermanagh purveyor of song Gabriel McArdle has released his much anticipated and long-awaited debut solo record, The Fermanagh Blackbird. 

Gabriel is one of Ireland’s untouched cultural treasures with a vast and unique repertoire of traditional songs and a voice that is as natural as the lakes and waterways of his home county Fermanagh.

‘Gabie’ is a singer’s singer and he is regarded as an icon in Ulster traditional and folk singing circles. This, his first solo album, is a snapshot in time and a reflection on the life in song of the singer and concertina player from Kinawley, who is considered one of the finest exponents of the Ulster traditional singing style. Produced by Dónal O’Connor, the record also features Ciarán Curran of Altan, Fermanagh accordion maestro Jim McGrath, Darragh Murphy of Riverdance, Celtic Woman & Sharon Corr and Pat McManus of Mama’s Boys and Celtus.