Team

Kara O’Brien

Founder & Director

Hi-Res Headshot

Kara O’Brien is a singer, songwriter, scholar and artist manager. Originally from the mountains of Colorado, Kara founded RootStrings Management and Consulting in 2014 while completing her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado at Denver.

After graduating in 2016 with degrees in vocal performance and music entertainment industries studies, Kara moved the Republic of Ireland to study traditional Irish music at the University of Limerick. She completed her MA in Traditional Irish Music Performance in 2018, and is currently writing her PhD in traditional Irish song at the Irish World Academy, where she also teaches. In her spare time she is writing her debut album and trying to read the entire contents of the nearest library.

Emily Irwin

Emily is an experienced national and international festival coordinator, musician, and entertainment industry professional. As a director of RootStrings Management and Consulting, Emily specialises in public and client relations as well as educational outreach and social media strategy.

She works as a legal assistant for Creative Law Network as well as a graduate researcher for Denver Arts & Venues and Majestic Collaborations in Denver, Colorado. Emily has a Bachelor of Science – Music Business degree from the University of Colorado – Denver and will receive her Master of Arts in Festive Arts degree from the University of Limerick in January, 2019. In her spare time she sings with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and loves to attend shows and travel the world!

Sarah Bergin

Brand Manager and Digital Marketing Specialist

Sarah Bergin is a graduate of BA Voice and Dance in the University of Limerick. As a singer and a dance Sarah has a passion for the music and dance industry. She is focusing on developing her career as a solo singer and dancer, while also working with RootStrings Management as an assistant manager for upcoming artists.

Shauna Duffy

Assistant Manager and Patreon Advisor

Shauna Duffy is a graduate of the BA Voice and Dance in the University of Limerick. She is focused on the future of the music industry in Ireland and Branding for artists/bands. Shauna is also working on starting her own career as a solo musician with new material that will be released in the future.


Daniel Corcoran

Career Strategy Specialist

Bio coming soon