The Story

From the rugged shores of Newfoundland often called the Far East of the Western World originates one of Canada’s most celebrated folk groups, The Irish Descendants. For over 35 years, this multi-award-winning ensemble has captivated audiences across North America and beyond, performing more than 8,000 live shows and earning a reputation for musical excellence and cultural storytelling. Led by the unmistakable voice of Con O’Brien, the band blends masterful musicianship with rich vocals, weaving tales of their Irish heritage and the soul of Newfoundland and Labrador into every performance. Their shows are more than concerts they’re journeys filled with laughter, history, and unforgettable moments that leave audiences deeply connected to the spirit of the East Coast. Whether on a grand festival stage or in an intimate theatre, The Irish Descendants continue to share their legacy with passion, pride, and a touch of wit that’s as timeless as the music they play.

The Band

Con O’Brien has been the lead singer & frontman of the Juno Award winning Irish Descendants since its formation in 1990. A professional musician since 1984, Con to date has close to 8000 shows under his belt. His voice has been described as “larger than life” and capable of “waking the dead”! His ability to tell the tale of his people and ancestral home of Newfoundland & Labrador in songs and stories is legendary. He has led this iconic ground breaking Canadian folk group through 15 albums including 2 certified gold records, along with multiple awards. Con, who hails from Bay Bulls NL, continues to entertain and share his talent as one of the provinces leading tourism ambassadors!

Rowan Sherlock originally hails from Waterford, Ireland, having moved to Newfoundland in 2017 after coming to NL on tour with a band from Ireland, aptly named ‘Newfoundland’! Now a Canadian citizen - currently a full-time music teacher and gigging musician. He plays mandolin, piano and fiddle for the group, as well working as regular gigging fiddle player for ‘Rugged Shores’ and as a side musician for others too. Rowan has a BA in Music Composition and Classical Violin performance and completed his Masters Degree in Music Composition, from Ireland. Rowan has since toured the world extensively with many orchestras and groups, before making Newfoundland his home, residing in tropical Conception Bay South.

Madeline Carter is a fiddler originally from Aulac, New Brunswick who has been playing for 15 years. Playing a variety of different genres of music including Celtic, Country, and Folk, she also composes her own music. Along with her sisters, they make up “The Carter Girls” and their debut album "Crossing Borders" was released in July of 2020 featuring 6 original tunes. The album was recorded at "The Loft Studio" in Moncton, New Brunswick with the help of Studio Engineer and good friend Tyler Vollrath. Now living in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Madeline has graduated and received her diploma for Music Performance Business and Technology at College of the North Atlantic.

Jeff Kinsman has worked for many years as a live sound technician for local and touring acts, including The Irish Descendants numerous times in the past, and has been a professional bassist since 1995. Born and raised in Halifax, and moved to St. John’s in 2008, Jeff graduated from NSCC recording arts program in 2002. Having performed over the years with many groups such as: The Reels, Hip Waders, Rugged Shores, Those Beautiful Uglysticks, and many other east coast original and Irish bands, Jeff is a 3 time ECMA nominee, as well as being a 4-time MusicNL nominee AND a Music NL winner for Jazz/Blues album of the year 2014 with Hip Waders (Composer, Bassist, Recording and Mixing Engineer)

The Music

Over the past 35 years, The Irish Descendants have released 15 studio albums, including two that achieved Canadian Gold certification—an enduring testament to their musical legacy