Mary Black of De Dannan

Formed in Eire during the 70s, this group have amalgamated contemporary and traditional folk music With a line-up of Alec Finn (guitar/bouzouki), Frankie Gavin (fiddle/flute/whistle), Dolores Keane (b. Caherlistrane, Co. Galway, Eire; vocals), Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh (bodhran/percussion), and Jackie Daly (melodeon), they produced a highly original sound. Original singer Maura McConnell left to pursue a solo career, with her replacement, Mary Black, doing likewise in 1986. Keane, who took over, has since gone on to record and perform in a solo capacity. At one time, invited by Gavin, they were joined by cellist Caroline Lavelle.

The current line-up - Gavin, Finn, Aiden Coffey (accordion), Colm Murphy (bodhran), and Eleanor Shanley (vocals) - still retain the distinctive sound for which the group is known. Even after 15 years, with the various changes in personnel, De Dannan have retained the quality that distinguishes them from a number of other groups that have inevitably followed in their wake. Even when Charlie Piggot, Maura O'Connell and Jackie Daly left, at one point leaving just Finn, McDonagh and Gavin, many would have given up; instead they took on Mary Black and Martin O'Connor and produced Song For Ireland. The group is still popular in concert, and tours regularly, both at home and overseas.

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