I’m a sucker for Irish traditional music. And though occasionally wooed by Irish dance, I've grown a bit weary of foot-flying fury of the typical Riverdance knock-off show. That said, from the moment I first encountered Ragus at a Tourism Ireland workshop in Dublin I was sold. Ragus means spontaneous 'urge' or 'desire' in Irish and when the final notes of the encore reached crescenod, hard soled shoes reverberating the ground, we were all feeling the ragus: to arise from our seats dancing.

Ragus is made up of six musicans and five dancers, each with extraordinary talent: among the very best in all of Ireland. They've been called "torch bearers of culture" for their close adherence to the traditions of music and dance from the West of Ireland. The show weaves together fast-moving trad, with haunting ballads and a toe-tapping frenzy of dance.

I jumped at the chance to photograph Ragus in their home venue on the Aran Islands and arrived off the boat dripping with sea mist and enthusiasm. It was their last night of the season and there was quite a buzz about the place. The largely local crowd was extra appreciate. What a brilliant night! Despite the numerous photographing challenges hopefully I managed to convey a bit of their raw energy and immense talent.