Zoe Conway and Martin Hayes to name just two. I seen Martin live just the once and it was brilliant. I have a liking for musicians who's music transcends the instrument they are playing and this is what I feel from these two.
Who are your favourites and why?
RORY

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I'm Spartacus .

On fiddle, a tie between Liz Knowles and Liz Carroll, because of the life in their playing.
On harp, Grainne Hambly, for her style (and patience with raw beginner harp makers...)
On button box, Florence Fahy and Tim Collins because they make the music sound so easy that I almost believe I could play concertina (yea, right )

dave boling

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I teleported home one night
With Ron and Sid and Meg.
Ron stole Meggie's heart away
And I got Sidney's leg.
-- Douglas Adams

'Bundinn er bátlaus maðu'.

I really dig Tommy Potts' innovative and expressive style, like he's pushing the limits of experimentation in trad. I'd also say Matt Molloy is an unmatched powerhouse.

Fiddle: Tommy Peoples, Mary Custy, Brid Harper, Claire Egan, Megan Henderson, Michelle O'Brien, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, Hayley Keenan

Flute: Orlaith McAuliffe, Pat Mahon, Catherine McEvoy, Dee Tasker, June McCormack, Aoife Granville, Paul McGlinchy

Concertina: Caitlín Nic Gabhann, Cormac Begley, Kitty Hayes, Edel Fox

Banjo - Angelina Carberry

Concertina - Noel Hill, The Begleys

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-Nate Banton-
Smallpipes and Border Pipes http://www.natebanton.com