The Bothy Boy explores the life and musical career of Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, a guitarist, singer, composer, arranger, producer and member of the most influential traditional Irish group of all time, The Bothy Band.

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The Bothy Boy tells the story of a gentle, intelligent and talented man whose musical career spanned 50 years. He delighted audiences all over the world with his music and is hailed as one of the legends of traditional Irish music. 

Mícheál died tragically in July 2006 after a fall in his home in Dublin. He was 54 years old. In this film his family, friends and contemporaries pay tribute to a musician, brother and friend who broke new ground in traditional music and whose imprint on the music is still felt today.

The programme includes interviews with Dónal Lunny, Paddy Glackin, Matt Molloy, Paddy Keenan, Kevin Burke, Maighréad and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, among others.

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“Mícheál was a superb guitarist – he was a virtuoso in accompanying his own singing. He took it to perfection.”
Dónal Lunny, friend and musician
 

“He was an excellent musician, no doubt about it. He had great imagination in his music.”
Paddy Glackin, friend and musician
 

“His singing was delicate. He wasn’t at all forceful with his voice. His voice was natural, like the way he spoke.”
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh