Eleanor Shanley.
A SELECTION of Ireland’s and the North West’s leading musicians and singers are gathering for a special night of music and song in Bundoran Church of Ireland on Friday, December 13, at 8pm.
Headline artist for the night is none other than Eleanor Shanley, who has toured the world as lead singer with Dé Dannan and is famously the only female to have recorded with The Dubliners. Earlier this year the Keshcarrigan woman was named ‘Leitrim Person of the Year’ in recognition of her contribution to the arts and her home county.
Her distinctive voice has been thrilling fans across the country and the continents for years and she is looking forward to entertaining those lucky enough to get tickets for the unique and intimate setting offered by the Bundoran Church of Ireland, which overlooks the wild Atlantic coast. Eleanor will be accompanied on guitar by John McCartin on the night.
It’s a combination of his guitar mastery, undeniable showmanship, and his inimitable style that makes
Johnny Gallagher one of the best loved-entertainers on the indigenous Irish music scene. He needs no introduction in Bundoran, his home town, but the opportunity to see what he brings to this unique venue should not be missed.
Shauna Mullin hails from a Donegal family that boasts one of Ireland’s foremost traditional singers, the late Paddy Tunney. A former All-Ireland singing champion, Shauna has also won many fans across the water in America.
The night will also feature Tyrone singer and whistle player Lisa Murphy, who has been gracing the stage since 2002. Using her folk, traditional and musical theatre backgrounds, she performed as lead vocalist and musician touring Asia, Egypt and Europe. Now based in Donegal, this year saw the release of her new album Skylark.
Considering the setting, it is only appropriate to welcome the Ballyshannon Bel Canto choir to the line-up, while the uplifting voice and songs of Stranorlar favourite, Kathy O’Hara, will also suit the scene and the season perfectly.
Completing the eclectic line-up on offer are two more talented locals, the alt-folk wizard Henry Pierce and Roisin Atcheson, who fronts the funky alternative acoustic ensemble Sweet Little Lies.
The night promises to set things up perfectly for the Christmas season, and will no doubt challenge Dingle’s famous ‘Other Voices’ in bringing a new musical experience to a traditional church venue.
Doors open at 7.15pm on the night, Friday, December 13, and the €10 tickets include mulled wine and mince pies before the entertainment starts at 8pm sharp.
Tickets are available from Spar Supermarket in Bundoran and Sweeney Todd’s, Bundoran. Get yours early to avoid disappointment as numbers are limited. All proceeds will do to the Church of Ireland, Kinlough, and the organising committee would like to thanks all the artists for giving their time so freely and everyone who has supported the night in any way.