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A RICH AND VARIED CAREER
Patricia has come a long way since she was singled out to perform at Drogheda as part of a trio playing to Pope John Paul II on his visit to Ireland in the late 70s.
Her hard-earned CCE All-Ireland Harping Title in the mid 70’s kick-started her solo career, and brought her initial recognition as an acting ambassador for the Irish traditional harp throughout Ireland and further afield.
Two teaching diplomas later - TTCT and ALCM (london College of Music) - she attended The Irish World Music Academy at the University of Limerick and completed a Master’s Degree in Irish Traditional Music Performance in 2001-02.
1987 was the date of her first recorded album - The Last Session - on which Patricia and her brother Martin (tin whistle) paid tribute to their late brother, uilleann piper Paul Daly, whose playing is featured on the CD.
During the following years Patricia worked very hard, outshining most of the competition, and produced a collection of solo and collaboration albums, as well as a commercially available harp tutorial.
A POWERFUL ADVOCATE FOR THE HARP
If the last 40 years have seen a great revival in the popularity of the traditional Irish harp as Ireland’s national instrument, Patricia Daly is acknowledged today as having been at the forefront of that revival. She has inspired and touched many people through her passion for harp music, its heritage, and playing technique.
In September 1996, it was Patricia who founded the Armagh Harpers’ Association, whose primary aim is to promote awareness and appreciation of the Irish Harp. Through her commitment and passion for traditional Irish music, she continues to develop and implement different teaching projects in local schools, clubs, and festivals, where she teaches and coaches effectively. It was in this context that Sounding Strings Magazine declared: “The harp is truly alive in Armagh and its surrounding area due to the tremendous dedication of Patricia Daly.”
It was Patricia who also provided the inspiration (and the hard work) for the initiation of the ever more popular annual Edward Bunting Harp Festival in Armagh. One of the highlights of the 2008 festival was a visit from TG4 to televise a solo harp recital given by Mary O’Neill, and to interview Patricia on the importance of the festival, the life and times of Edward Bunting, the technique and life style of the old harpers of the Gael.
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