"Spellbinding, Sult epitomises the invigorated
soul of Irish Traditional Music".
We are three sisters from Dublin’s Northside immersed in traditional Irish music, song and dance from early age. Our performances incorporate traditional airs, tunes and song interpretated and arranged in our unique and culturally sensitive style. We have received many awards and accolades for our performances as a group and individually. We have played for current and past presidents on stages from Dublin to Boston.
Our maternal influences encapsulate many of the musicians of Co. Clare, the Cork and Waterford Gealtachts and Connemara. While our paternal roots from Dublin's Liberties has deepened our appreciation of the great Dublin musicians who played a seminal role in the revival of Irish music and culture.
Our greatest influence is our grandfather, the late Seamus MacMathúna from Coraclare. His vast and unparalleled legacy includes developing Comhaltas in Ireland and around the world, his instrumental role in the revival of Uilleann Piping, organising the First Tinol at Bettystown in 1968, and then going on to co-found Na Piobairí Uilleann (NPU). Our grandfather spoke fondly and passionately about Irish music, song, dance and language and his friendships with so many legends. Indeed it was his association and friendship with fellow Clare man Willie Clancy which inspired his co-founding of the Willie Clancy Summer School in 1973.
A Sean Nós singer, flute player, researcher and collector of Irish music, his early work includes some of the great recordings we have today of Ennis, Clancy, Keane, O Catháin, Heany, Peoples, Doherty and many others. His and our grandmother’s early mentoring leaves an enduring imprint on our interpretation of Irish music and song and our passion to perform and share this rich cultural tapestry at every opportunity.
Our core band is composed of Irish Harp, Concertina, Uilleann Pipes (including High and Low Whistle) and Voice and we are very fortunate to have a number of excellent musicians and dancers that join us on stage when the context requires a broader soundscape.
The Members
Emer is a harpist trained both traditionally, and classically at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and more recently a composer . Emer’s harp style manifests a vibrant and sensitive engagement with the tradition. Among Emer’s accomplishments include eight All Ireland medals for Harp and Harp Slow airs as well as Feis Coel and O Carolan Cup successes. In 2019 Emer was the Royal Irish Academy of Music’s Rising Star recipient and in 2020 a finalist in Comórtas Bonn Óir Seán Ó Riada.
Caoilfhionn is an accomplished concertina player mentored for many years by our friend the renowned, Noel Hill. Caoilfhionn is an arranger of traditional pieces and with her sisters has won a host of Dublin, Leinster and All Ireland medals including the 2022 all Ireland Trio at Fleadh Ceoil.
Sorcha is both an Uilleann Piper and Sean Nós singer. Considered one the most exciting Uilleann Piper of her generation, Sorcha has a visceral connection with the Uilleann pipes which is matched by a mature interpretation and delivery of song in both English and Sean Nós.
From the age of 10 Sorcha has attracted significant attention and acclaim nationally and internationally for performances broadcast on RTE and TG4. Videos of Sorcha’s Uilleann Piping have attracted millions of views on social channels. By 2022 Sorcha had already amassed eight uilleann piping All Ireland medals. As a Sean Nós singer Sorcha has won the U15 and U18 Feis Ceoil singing competitions and in 2022 she took first place at An tOireachtas, winning the Corn Sheosamh Uí Éanaigh agus Bonn óir.
Selected Video
Freeborn Man of the Travelling People : Doolin Folk Festival
Bean Dubh an Ghleanna, into two reels Jenny’s Welcome and Rackish Paddy : Doolin Trad Fest
Introducing to the channel traditional Irish group Sult
Venues Played and Audience Feedback
Venues
National Concert Hall Dublin; Doolin Folk Festival Co Clare; Guinness Storehouse Dublin; Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair; Frank Harte Festival; Féile Liam O Flynn; St Patrick’s Festival Collins Barracks; Electric Picnic Body and Soul; All Together Now; Smithfield Festival; Skerries Folk Festival; Seamus Ennis Arts Centre; Shackelton Gardens; Áras on Uachtarán; The Pavilion Dun Laoghaire; Cairde na Cruite International Harp Festival; Pearse Museum; Hugh Lane Gallery; The Burren Back Room in Boston; University College Dublin; Irish Traditional Music Archive, Merrion Sq; Vicars Street; Irish Embassy Washington DC, Sean Nós Cois Life.
Feedback
“Spellbinding”. “…a prodigy” “Phenomenal and Unique Sound”. “There are no words to describe this talent…”. “Powerful and Evocative”. “I could listen to that all day”. “Brilliant!” “Amazing singer!” “Magnifique composition et interpretation”. “Stole the show”.
Gallery
There may be no better way to communicate what we do than through images. As you browse our site, take a few moments to let your eyes linger here, and see if you can get a feel for our signature touch.
