Dónal Clancy, Brian McGrath and Damien Quinn
Dónal Clancy, originally from An Rinn Waterford and now calling Galway City home, stands as one of Ireland's finest guitarists. He inherits his musical legacy as the son of the internationally acclaimed singer, Liam Clancy, a prominent figure in The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Following the passing of his father, Dónal has dedicated himself to preserving and performing the cherished family repertoire of songs that shaped his upbringing, all while upholding the rich Clancy tradition through his solo performances. As a founding member of the group Danú, Dónal played a pivotal role before embarking on a remarkable journey alongside his father and cousin, Robbie O'Connell. This trio ventured far and wide, leaving an indelible mark on the music scene. Furthermore, Dónal toured and recorded alongside the acclaimed Riverdance fiddler Eileen Ivers, and he graced the stage as a guest performer with The Chieftains during their Tears of Stone Tours, captivating audiences in Japan and the United States with his exceptional talent. Dónal Clancy's musical versatility also saw him as a member of the Irish American super group Solas, contributing his artistry to their collective sound. His involvement extended to the world of film, where he lent his musical talent to the soundtrack of the award-winning documentary film "New York," directed by Ric Burns.
Brian McGrath's musical journey began in the heart of Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh, an enclave steeped in the rich traditions of Irish music. Today, he calls Galway City his home. Brian embarked on his professional music career alongside the acclaimed group Dervish. His talent and passion for music then led him to become an integral member of Four Men And A Dog, contributing his musical prowess to their award-winning album, "Barking Mad." Brian continued to expand his musical horizons, collaborating with renowned artists such as Noel Hill, Paul Brock, and Frankie Gavin. He later joined the Sean Keane Band, where his mastery of the piano enhanced the group's sound. In a significant chapter of his career, Brian became part of De Dannan, leaving an enduring legacy with the band until its dissolution in 2003. Today, he is a vital member of the vibrant ensemble At The Racket, and is highly sought after as a session musician because of his versatility on piano, banjo, and mandolin.
Damien Quinn, hailing from Kildare but now calling Galway City home, embarked on his professional journey in the realm of Irish music back in 1987. His musical odyssey began when he joined forces with the legendary Donal Lunny for a special concert, part of the O Riada Retrospective, a performance that resonated far and wide as it was broadcast live on both television and radio in that pivotal year. Since that momentous start in 1987, Damien Quinn has left an indelible mark on the world of Traditional Irish Music. He recorded, performed, and embarked on tours with some of the foremost trailblazers in the genre, including luminaries like Van Morrison, The Chieftains, Andy M. Stewart, Elvis Costello, and Cian and The Lark. In 1999, Damien's journey took a unique turn when he became a member of the Riverdance ensemble. There, he displayed his exceptional talents as a featured soloist within The Liffey Company. Following his enriching experience with Riverdance, Damien returned to his roots in session and concert work in 2021. Since then, he has fervently delved into the art of the Bodhran, exploring its intricate dynamics and nuances. Quinn passionately stated that "Tell her I am," his latest project, is a modern exploration of the solid style of Bodhran playing—a style that has somewhat faded into the background in recent times. With this record, Damien hopes to shine a spotlight on this magnificent and timeless form of Bodhran playing, preserving it for generations to come.
