A question of taste: Liam Ó Maonlaí

Liam Ó Maonlaí will be appearing at Masters of Tradition which takes place in Bantry from Wednesday, August 19. He will be appearing alongside Steve Cooney and Chris Droney, with Francis Droney, Ann Droney Kirrane, and Ainé McGrath on Saturday, August 22, at Bantry House.

Best recent book: The Bone People — Keri Hulme. Won the Booker prize in 1985 — a masterpiece.

Best recent film: Ten Canoes, a film by David Gulpilil and Rolf de Heer, that’s set in pre-colonial Australia. The film is a window into the culture of an inspiring people. The language is beautiful and the telling of the story is class. Good for the heart this one and a potent story as well.

What formats do you access music? CDs and tapes still, mostly. Occasional mp3 and the odd Spotify.

Best piece of music you’ve been listening to lately: Oumou Sangare with Bela Fleck — ‘Dgolen’. Beautiful song beautifully recorded. Oumou is one of the best singers alive.

First ever piece of music or art or film or gig that really moved you: Ríl mhór bhaile ‘chaladh. Seán Ó Riada agus ceoltóirí chuallainn.

The best gig or show you’ve ever seen: De Danann at Leisureland 1979 (I think!). Charlie Piggott, Ringo McDonagh, Frankie Gavin, Jackie Daly and Alec Finn. Beautiful.

TV viewing: Columbo was a favourite in our house.

Radio listening: I love John Kelly’s taste and sense of humour. Máirtín Tom Sheáinín is a treat to listen to on RnaG. He speaks music.

Best recent holiday or weekend break: Inis Bó Finne. Pat Coyne’s Dolphin Hotel.

Your best celebrity encounter: I met Prince in Paisley Park. He had a twinkle in his eye, and I fell over a couch on the way out.

Most expensive item of clothing you’ve ever bought — what was it and how much: Skintight gold leaf onesy. A million euro.

Tech habits: A cassette player in the car I use for listening to old Alan Partridge radio shows. I like the uileann pipes app.

Unsung hero — individual, organisation, or group you think don’t get the praise they deserve: Africa gets only negative press when it is one of the most inspiring parts of the world. All the indigenous cultures who do not have the illusion of money on their alter.

You are king for a day — what’s your first decree? A yearlong festival of world culture including an end to nationhood and passports. After the year there will be a break for the weekend and the festival will start again. All singers, dancers, musicians, and anyone willing to add to the blinding colour and beauty is given free travel. It has to happen sooner or later. Respect.

Full details for Masters of Tradition on www.westcorkmusic.ie/mastersoftradition