TWO IRISH Traveller women were set to perform at New York’s famous Carnegie Hall last night after a YouTube video of one of them singing led to an invite to the world-renowned venue.
Selina O’Leary and Liz Connors were invited after a video of one of O’Leary’s past performances was posted to the website. It is the first time Traveller women have performed at the venue, according to the Irish Traveller Movement.
The women were invited to sing alongside two traditional musicians from the University of Limerick at the Discovering Abilities concert. O’Leary said they were thrilled to represent not only Travellers, but also Ireland.
John Travers, a guitarist with the Miami Showband, described O’Leary as “possibly the best female Irish vocalist of our time”.
Currently recording with O’Leary, he said he played a song to Dana, and “She was blown away by it”. O’Leary and Connors are participants in the “Song for All” partnership between Co Carlow VEC, a senior Traveller training centre and the University of Limerick. Damien Peelo, director of the Irish Traveller Movement, said: “We believe Selina and Liz are inspirational ambassadors for their community.”