A CORK student and musician is set to perform for US president Barack Obama on St Patrick’s Day.
Maggie McCarthy (23), from Dripsey, Co Cork, will showcase her finely honed ability to dance while playing the fiddle as part of a traditional Irish celebration at the White House.
The traditional Irish musician has been dancing since she was four and counts the ability to play the fiddle, banjo, guitar and piano among her varied talents.
“I’m a big Obama fan so this is a real privilege for me. And it’s an honour to be representing Ireland,” she said.
She will be backed by a band of four All-Ireland music champions, including highly acclaimed accordion player Alan Finn, Daithí Kearney on banjo, concertina player Rory McMahon and drummer Ciarán Brady.
The group fly out to New York on March 15th and on to Washington where they will perform for up to 600 people. They will be accommodated by the Obama administration.