About Don
In 1968, I formed the pop / rock group ‘Reform’ and came to national prominence in 1978 when a song I composed for the National Song Contest “You Gotta Get Up” became a major hit record. Numerous records and TV appearances t/. followed, leading to a successful 16 year career. In 1985, I formed my current group “Don O’Connor’s Celtic Fusion”, ~ which have since toured the world.

In 2002, I graduated from the World Music Department of the University of Limerick with a Post Graduate Masters Degree in Community Music. My particular area of interest is Special Needs Socia/Inclusion and Positive Psychology Coaching.

I have spent the past ten years working as a Community Music/Therapist for organisations such as The Daughters of Charity, The Brothers of Charity, Rehab Care, Enable Ireland and the Down Syndrome Association.

Internationally, I have worked in this capacity in Sweden, Germany and Britain. Most recently on two occasions in 2011, I have been to Botswana in Africa where I was invited by The Camphill Organisation to teach at their centre for children and adults with specla needs. The project I worked on whilst there, was an inclusive musical programme between a special needs group and local youths. The success of this undertaking is reflected in the fact that I will return to Africa in September 2012 for further work and discussions on the international possibilities for the concept.