Cathal McConnell, born in 1944 near Bellanaleck, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is an Irish musician known for his mastery of the Irish flute and tin whistle. He became All-Ireland champion in both instruments in 1962. McConnell co-founded The Boys of the Lough after meeting fellow musicians at a folk festival in Falkirk, Scotland. Their debut recording was released in 1973. Notable albums include An Irish Jubilee (1976) and Long Expectant Comes At Last (2000). Outside the band, McConnell has collaborated with various artists, including Robin Morton, Duncan Wood, Len Graham, and Gerry O'Connor. He was awarded Amhránaí na Bliana/Traditional Singer of the Year at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil awards in 2010.
