Blending a passion for technology with a lifelong dedication to traditional Irish music, Niall Murphy brings a unique harmony to his role within Allstate/Arity's App Collective team. Best known for helping shape the Routely telematics app, Niall's work spans development, problem solving, and exploring the growing potential of AI in mobile experiences. Outside the office, however, he's just as likely to be found playing multiple instruments at festivals, supporting the next generation of musicians, or building his own guitar from scratch.
In this interview, Niall talks about his journey into tech, the musical influences that shaped him, his unexpected success in the Allstate Connections Talent Show, and why sharing your passions — inside and outside of work — can open doors you never expect.
1. To begin, can you tell us about your role at Allstate NI/Arity and what a typical working day involves?
Within Allstate NI/Arity, I am part of the App Collective team — a group of mobile developers primarily focused on the Routely application. Routely is a telematics app used by Allstate and partner organisations in the United States to analyse driving behaviour and give users personalised feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement.
Although no two days are exactly alike, development sits at the core of my work. This includes implementing new features, resolving bugs, and supporting a diverse range of platforms. With the growing influence of AI, I also spend significant time exploring how AI can enhance our development processes and identifying opportunities to integrate AI features into the app itself.
2. What originally inspired your interest in technology and eventually led you to a career as an application developer consultant?
I have always been interested in IT and technology. However, I went through school at a time when the internet was only beginning to emerge, and classroom IT lessons were still centred on very basic concepts. As a result, I did not continue studying IT at A-Level — a decision I later regretted at university when comparing my modules to those of Computer Science students.
I initially pursued a career in management consultancy, but in 2018 I made the decision to retrain in technology. My dissertation involved building an Android application, making the Android team at Allstate NI/Arity an ideal place to begin my career in tech.
3. You've described music as "the one true constant" in your life. Where did that journey begin?
My musical journey began extremely early. Irish traditional music has always been part of my family — one of my grandparents even played in the 'Pride of Erin' céilí band from Fermanagh in the 1960s. With older siblings already playing, I attended festivals across the island long before I played my first note.
I began learning the tin whistle at around age six or seven and gradually progressed to other instruments. With multiple instruments at home, there was always something new to pick up. I enjoyed some success at Fleadh competitions, winning several Ulster titles — although I never quite reached my brother's All Ireland achievements.
4. How has traditional Irish music influenced not only your playing, but your personal identity?
Traditional music has become a fundamental part of who I am. I participated in football, GAA, and other activities, but music has remained the one constant throughout my life. The people you meet, the friendships you make, and the festivals you experience are unlike anything else. It has taken me to places across Ireland I might never otherwise visit.
This summer, Belfast will experience that same atmosphere when Fleadh Cheoil na h'Éireann arrives. If attendance mirrors Wexford last year, the city will be buzzing.
Traditional music has also led me into other genres. The theory and structure translate well across musical styles, and I enjoy playing guitar in various genres. I even built my own electric guitar during lockdown. If the rules allow, I may consider entering the talent show again — perhaps with a different musical style.
5. What encouraged you to enter the Allstate Connections Talent Show this year?
It was quite a spur of the moment decision. I saw the email announcement, and later thought: "why not?" During lockdown, people were using the Acapella app to record layered performances. I experimented with it at the time and thought it would be a fun way to showcase myself playing several instruments on the same piece. I assembled something in about 30 minutes and submitted it.
6. How did it feel to represent Allstate NI/Arity globally and reach the finals? What feedback have you received?
It was a great experience, although I might have preferred if my original submission had been used — the version played during the event didn't sync perfectly, at least to my ears. Despite that, the reaction was incredibly positive. My Teams messages were difficult to keep up with. It was a great opportunity to share a skill colleagues may never have known I had
7. You compared learning instruments to learning to code — both requiring problem solving until things 'click.' Can you expand on that?
Both disciplines require patience, persistence, and comfort with not understanding something immediately. Progress often comes through repetition and perseverance. There are also structural similarities — learning musical scales and modes is not unlike learning programming syntax or theoretical frameworks. These transferable behaviours have helped me in my development work.
8. Do you perform or record outside of work?
I still perform occasionally. When living in Belfast, I regularly joined sessions in venues such as Madden's and Kelly's. I also perform with the Unity Irish Dance troupe at events including cruise ships and functions, and I appear at festivals across the island. I am actually part of the session trail at the IMBOLC Festival in Derry this weekend.
Most of my involvement at the moment is through my role as Chairperson of the Newcastle branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, where we focus on supporting the next generation of traditional musicians.
9. What musical challenge or project would you love to take on next?
I would love to follow in my brother's footsteps — he currently travels the world performing with groups like the Shamrock Tenors and is presently touring China with Riverdance. These commitments last several months, which makes them difficult to combine with full time work. But if the right opportunity appeared, I might just disappear for a little while.
10. What advice would you give colleagues who have a hidden passion they haven't yet shared?
Simply: go for it. Sharing your skills and passions helps people understand the real you beyond the workplace environment. You never know who you might inspire.
