Among the events taking place in Sligo Abbey during Heritage Week will be three performances by The Cloister Boys, a trad-fusion duo that has its roots, appropriately, in the Abbey itself.

And it was, literally, a case of when Harry met Barry.

Four years ago, veteran OPW guide Barry Mulligan found himself working alongside newly-recruited guide Harry Keaney. Apart from their deep interest in history and archaeology, they also discovered another shared passion: music.

Barry, percussionist and vocalist, played with an array of groups that supported some of Ireland's leading bands during the 70s and 80s. He has also been a member of various choirs, with a particular affection for barbershop and acapella performances. During the Covid lockdown, he taught himself to play the ukulele.

Harry's background is in traditional Irish music, playing banjo, whistle and bodhran.

From these diverse influences, The Cloister Boys have created their own signature trad-fusion sound, from jigs and hornpipes to waltzes, from blues to ballads, all played at a distinct rhythmic pace that allows every tune its notes, every song its words.