About

The Cowan, Howell and Maginn Family comprises of Terry Cowan, his daughter Cara Maginn, grandchildren Niamh, Ruáirí, Tara and Lorcán Howell, and Erin and Cian Maginn.
Music has always been a constant feature in the Cowan household. Some of Terry's earliest memories are of his mother, Brigid, singing in the family home and his father's love of Céilí House on Radio Éireann on a Saturday night. Terry taught himself guitar and, under the guidance of his mother, learned many traditional Irish folk songs. This led to a lifelong passion for singing and songwriting, leading to countless opportunities to perform around the world, alongside earning many medals at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. It is no surprise that he passed his love of music down through the generations of his family.
The family are all active members of Newcastle CCÉ. Cara plays the tin whistle and cites her claim-to-fame moment as performing with the 15–18 Grúpaí Cheoil in Ballina in 1998, when they achieved second place. Niamh and Lorcán play Concertina, Ruáirí plays the Uilleann Pipes and Whistles, Tara plays Button Accordion, Erin plays Fiddle, and Cian plays both Harp and Guitar.
Between them, the younger generation have a plethora of medals at both Provincial and All-Ireland level. However, it is not very often they have the opportunity to all perform together, so they are especially delighted to appear in Belfast at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.