From Limerick to Milwaukee

How Milwaukee Irish Fest is Helping Shape the Future of Irish Music with the University of Limerick's Irish World Academy of Music and Dance

For nearly a decade, Milwaukee Irish Fest and the University of Limerick's Irish World Academy of Music and Dance have partnered to provide students with a unique opportunity through a scholarship program: the chance to share their talents with audiences on one of the world's largest stages for Irish music and culture.

What began as an idea more than 15 years ago has grown into one of Milwaukee Irish Fest's most rewarding artist development initiatives. The beginnings of the partnership trace back to 2010, when the Association of Irish and Celtic Festivals Conference was held in Ireland. During a showcase at the University of Limerick, Milwaukee Irish Fest representatives met with Irish World Academy founder Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, along with academy leaders Niall Keegan and Sandra Joyce, to discuss collaboration ideas. Conversations continued, and in 2017 they launched a scholarship program that brings students to Milwaukee to perform at the festival. Today, the program continues under the guidance of Conor Caldwell, Course Director for the MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance at the Irish World Academy.

Irish World Academy

Founded in 1994 by renowned musician and educator Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance has earned an international reputation as one of Ireland's leading centers for performance, education, and artistic innovation. Located on the banks of the River Shannon at the University of Limerick, the academy brings together musicians, dancers, singers, composers, researchers, and performers from more than 40 countries. Its mission combines performance excellence with academic study, encouraging students to explore traditional and contemporary art forms while developing their own creative voices. It's a philosophy that mirrors Milwaukee Irish Fest's commitment to preserving and promoting Irish music, supporting emerging artists, and showcasing the evolving sounds of Ireland today.

Two scholarship recipients are selected each year. For many, it is their first opportunity to showcase their talents before an international audience. Their experience extends well beyond the festival, however, as recipients also teach at Milwaukee Irish Fest Summer School and perform at community events, introducing traditional Irish music to new audiences and becoming part of Milwaukee's Irish community during their stay.

"The relationship between the Irish World Academy and Milwaukee Irish Fest is a dynamic exchange of tradition and innovation," said Sandra Joyce, executive dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Limerick. "Students don't simply perform. They share their artistry while engaging with fellow musicians, cultural practitioners, and audiences who are deeply connected to Irish culture. The partnership nurtures talent, broadens perspectives, and creates invaluable opportunities for students to learn, perform, and grow on an international stage."

University of Limerick logo

LEDA at Milwaukee Irish Fest 2025

"One of the most rewarding aspects of this scholarship is seeing these young artists take what they're learning at the academy and bring it to life before an engaged audience," said Barry Stapleton, artistic director of Milwaukee Irish Fest. "Over the years, we've seen so many former scholarship recipients go on to establish successful careers, form their own bands, and in some cases return to Milwaukee Irish Fest as professional artists. That's exactly what makes this partnership with the academy so special."

Kate Heneghan, one of the inaugural scholarship recipients in 2017, has gone on to perform internationally as a member of Celtic Woman. Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, who received the scholarship in 2019, returned to Milwaukee Irish Fest in 2025 as a member of the acclaimed Irish-Scottish folk group LÉDA. Similarly, 2018 scholarship recipient Aisling Lyons later returned to the festival with her band Merfolk. Their journeys reflect the scholarship program's long-term impact and demonstrate how Milwaukee Irish Fest serves as a launching pad for emerging artists as they continue to develop their careers.

Kate Heneghan - Celtic Woman

Kate Heneghan, one of the inaugural scholarship recipients in 2017, has gone on to perform internationally as a member of Celtic Woman. Éadaoin Ní Mhaicín, who received the scholarship in 2019, returned to Milwaukee Irish Fest in 2025 as a member of the acclaimed Irish-Scottish folk group LÉDA. Similarly, 2018 scholarship recipient Aisling Lyons later returned to the festival with her band Merfolk. Their journeys reflect the scholarship program's long-term impact and demonstrate how Milwaukee Irish Fest serves as a launching pad for emerging artists as they continue to develop their careers.

This year, Milwaukee Irish Fest is proud to welcome 2026 scholarship recipients Kevin Shortall and Sarah Sheehan. Their performances represent not only the future of Irish music but also the continuing success of a program that has strengthened cultural ties between Milwaukee and Ireland for nearly a decade.

As Milwaukee Irish Fest looks ahead to the future, its partnership with the University of Limerick remains an important part of the festival's mission: connecting audiences with the next generation of Irish artists and ensuring that the traditions of Irish music, song, and dance continue to thrive on both sides of the Atlantic.

Since 2017, the following Irish World Academy Scholarship recipients have performed at Milwaukee Irish Fest: