Biography

Cheryl is the sixth generation of traditional musicians in her family, an unbroken lineage dating back to the early 1800’s in County Donegal in Ireland. She plays accordion and fiddle, as well as clàrsach, which she started to learn when she was 11. Initially she used a full-size school clàrsach which she shared with five other pupils. Once every three weeks she was able to take it home to practise.

Despite this major drawback, Cheryl has had success in the many Feis and Fleadhs she’s taken part in. In 2006 she won first place at the All Scotland and second at the All Britain in clàrsach. She won first at the Scottish and British Fleadhs in accordion, ceili band and Groupai Ceol for the under 12’s. Cheryl is a member of the East Renfrewshire folk group and is also a member of St Roch’s Ceili band of the Irish Minstrels, Comhaltas.

Coming from a musical family, Cheryl has been encouraged to play music from an early age and is a confident and pleasing performer. She has regular lessons with Gillian Fleetwood and attends workshops whenever she can to develop her musicianship.

In the current vibrant traditional music scene in Scotland, Cheryl stands out as one of Scotland’s bright young talents for her age. She is talented, dedicated and ambitious to be a musician.

How the Award Helped

The Dewar Arts Award will enable Cheryl to buy her own clàrsach.