NOW on album number three, Daoirí Farrell’s rise up the musical ladder has been a bit of a whirlwind, but he insists it is all down to hard work.

The Irish folk-singer took the decision to become a full-time solo musician in 2016 after being a session musician all across Ireland and touring the world.

This choice led to the bouzouki player claiming two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Now, Farrell is touring the world again off the back of the release of his latest record, A Lifetime of Happiness, and said he would not have things any other way.

“It has been a bit of a whirlwind three years,” Farrell told the Gazette.

“But it has been great as I love playing music in front of people and I really appreciate having an audience who love what I do as well.

“You just have to go with what is put in front of you, there is a lot of travelling and waiting around in airports, but having the opportunity to do what I do, I just love it.

“I love going to see new places and meeting new people.

“And I think the day that I stop enjoying that is the day that I stop playing music.”

With his sound deeply embedded in Irish traditions, Farrell has made sure he has stayed true to the roots of his music, even going back to college to learn the intricate details of musicianship.

He added: “I am starting to get a bit of a fanbase which is great, it has been a slow burn because I have been playing music for 10 or so years, but I have liked that.

“When I was younger at any opportunity, whether it was in my room or in the kitchen, I was playing music.

“I mean I went back to college to study music and making sure I learnt that I am singing and playing properly.

“I have a lot of great people who are behind me who are supporting me, and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Daoirí Farrell will be performing at the Forge tomorrow (Friday).

For more information go to anvilarts.org.uk.