ABOUT
A RESOUNDING SUCCESS
Tides of Tradition is a vibrant and high-energy Irish music and dance experience, bringing the rich heritage of Ireland to life with a modern twist. Created and produced by three local artists who have toured the world with internationally renowned shows such as Lord of the Dance, Tides of Tradition combines global experience with a deep-rooted love of home. Proudly based in Kinsale, we are passionate about showcasing the culture, talent, and spirit of our local community. The show features an all-star cast of exceptional local musicians and dancers, celebrating the very best of the region’s artistic talent. Our debut season in Kinsale was a resounding success, and we’re thrilled to announce that the show will be returning in Summer 2026!
Paul Mccabe
Aisling Sage
Liam O'Keeffe
Originally from Glasgow, Scotland, Paul began dancing at the age of six. For the Sharon Taylor Academy, he went on to secure multiple prestigious titles, including British National Champion, Great Britain Champion, and Scottish Regional Champion, along with a runner-up at the All Ireland Championships. Competing both nationally and internationally, he won numerous championships and world medals throughout his competitive career.
At 18, Paul’s talent led him to London’s West End, where he joined the cast of Lord of the Dance, performing at the Dominion Theatre before continuing the production for a second residency at the Playhouse Theatre. One of his greatest honors was sharing the stage with Michael Flatley in his final performances, including his farewell UK show at Wembley Arena.
Over the past 11 years, Paul has expanded his career by performing in acclaimed productions such as TitanicDance, Irish Celtic, Rhythm of the Dance, and numerous others. He has also taken on the role of Principal Dancer in multiple shows, with his performances taking him across Europe, Asia, America, and beyond.
Alongside his stage career, Paul has also performed on television, including a special guest performance in the final of Britain’s Got Talent and appearances on numerous TV shows across the UK, Ireland, and Asia, showcasing his talent to audiences around the world.
Now, having stepped away from touring, Paul has made Cork his home. After years of performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, he is delighted to bring Tides of Tradition into its second season, using it as an outlet to showcase his unique style of choreography.
What makes the production particularly special is the unique journey shared by its three co-directors. Paul co-directs the show with his fiancé, Liam O’Keeffe, whom he first met while touring China with Gaelforce Dance, and his best friend Aisling Sage, who performed alongside him on tour with Lord of the Dance across many countries. Having crossed paths through their international touring careers, they now come together to shape the production with a shared creative vision. Drawing on their vast experience in the industry as the production expands into theatres.
Aisling is an award-winning violinist from Kilbrittain. She began her musical journey at the age of six, training in both classical and Irish traditional music.
In 2017, she moved to Florida, where she and Liam spent two years as resident musicians in Disney World. Aisling went on to tour internationally with several renowned Irish dance productions, most notably Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance, performing alongside Paul. During her four years with the show, she appeared in major live productions, television performances, and a feature film release.
Aisling continues to perform with a number of leading productions and is a founding member of trad supergroup BIIRD. Beyond her work in Irish music, Aisling has collaborated with internationally acclaimed artists. She performed as a featured violinist with Kygo at Dublin’s 3Arena, where she also led the string section for the performance. She has shared the stage with Ed Sheeran at the same venue, and her credits also include performances for major artists such as Anderson .Paak.
Alongside her performance career, Aisling is an experienced musical director, having worked for numerous other productions.
Aisling is delighted to bring Tides of Tradition back to her home town of Kinsale for a second year and looks forward to sharing her passion for Irish music with audiences once again.
Liam grew up in Ballinspittle, just outside Kinsale and discovered a passion for music at a young age learning the button accordion with the CCÉ Béal Átha an Spidéil Comhaltas branch.
Liam started to gig in numerous pubs around Kinsale and Cork from the age of 17 and began giving lessons to younger button accordion players in the local music branch also.
After earning his Bachelor of Education degree, Liam taught in London before pursuing music full-time, performing as a resident musician and entertainer, along side Aisling at Raglan Road in Disney Springs, Florida.
Since 2018, Liam has performed internationally with a variety of Irish dance productions and bands, including shows such as Rhythm of the Dance and Gaelforce, where he and Paul first met performing on a tour of China.
Creating, directing, and performing in Tides of Tradition alongside his close friend Aisling and fiancé Paul is proud and thrilling experience for Liam. Liam thrives on the excitement of live performance and brings passion and energy with him both on and off the stage. He is excited to bring Season 2 of Tides of Tradition to the stage in 2026.