Dennis Cahill - Litir ó do Chara

The programme explores the life and music of Dennis Cahill, a Chicago‑born guitarist celebrated for his innovative approach. He is credited with reshaping accompaniment within Irish traditional music through his distinctive style and collaborations, leaving a lasting influence on the genre.

Dennis Cahill – Litir ó do Chara is a one‑off television programme that focuses on a single figure from the world of traditional music. The title makes clear that the broadcast is centred on the guitarist Dennis Cahill, presenting his story in a concise, stand‑alone format rather than as part of a series. The core of the programme follows the life and music of a master guitarist who hailed from Chicago. It charts how he became recognised as an innovative player, reshaping the way accompaniment works within Irish music. By tracing his career, the show highlights the ways in which his approach altered the traditional backdrop that supports Irish melodies. Throughout, the broadcast underscores the lasting impact of his contributions. It points out that he is remembered for the distinctive changes he brought to accompaniment, positioning him as a pivotal figure who helped evolve the sound of Irish music. In doing so, the programme offers a focused portrait of a guitarist whose work continues to influence the genre.