Colm Hanley is a skilled and passionate musician with deep roots in traditional Irish music. Coming from a musical family, he grew up alongside his three sisters, who are all accomplished traditional Irish musicians. Growing up, Colm had his first fiddle lessons under Attracta Brady at the age of 10. He soon joined Seán Treacy CCÉ where he remained an active member through to adulthood. There, he was fortunate to learn from many great teachers including Colm Keane, Paul O’Shaughnessy and Mary Corcoran, all of whom helped to shape his musical journey.
The early experience of winning two Under-15 All-Ireland Céilí Band titles played a significant role in solidifying Colm’s connection to the céilí band tradition, a connection that continues to influence his music today. In 2002, he was also part of the winning group of the Siansa Gael Linn competition under the tutelage of Jacinta McEvoy.
Colm has performed with various traditional groups abroad, sharing Irish music with international audiences, and he remains actively involved in Ireland’s vibrant traditional music scene, regularly attending annual festivals across the country.
Today, Colm teaches fiddle, grúpaí cheoil and céilí bands at Craobh Shlí Dhála CCÉ in Dublin 15, while his wife, Sarah, teaches the banjo. Together, they are dedicated to preserving and passing on Ireland’s rich traditions of music, song, dance, and language, inspiring the next generation of musicians. Colm is a firm believer in the importance of safeguarding Ireland’s cultural heritage and encouraging young people to engage with it.