Sliabh Luachra: Stan goes online to bring local musicians to a global audience 

Live events may be curtailed in the Munster hotbed of traditional music, but Eoin ‘Stan’ O’Sullivan is helping the region's smaller festivals ensure they can still have a presence this year 

Maura O'Connor.

The Covid-19 pandemic has silenced live music performance and forced festivals online, but out of adversity has come opportunity for Irish traditional music. While the cancellation of Glastonbury, Live at the Marquee, or Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann makes headlines, smaller music festivals have been quietly adapting to their new virtual reality and taking the chance to bring their respective strands of Irish musical heritage to new online audiences.

“Look at what’s around you” has become something of a mantra for Eoin ‘Stan’ O’Sullivan, who as Sliabh Luachra musician in residence is engaged by the county councils of Cork, Kerry, and Limerick to support and promote the region’s traditional music.