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de_danann_p01sm.jpgDe Danann the Legendary group, once described as 'the Rolling Stones of Irish Traditional Music' are touring again.

Founding members Alec Finn and Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh will be joined by luminaries of Irish music who have played with the band over the years.

De Danann were formed in 1975 in Galway and became one of the most influential bands in traditional Irish music before going their separate ways in 2003. The group released their debut album 'De Danann' in 1975 and in total have recorded 14 albums including 'Anthem', 'Star Spangled Molly' and 'A Jacket of Batteries' and achieved chart success, with many of the albums reaching gold and platinum status.

Famous for their cross cultural experiments they recorded traditional Irish versions of The Beatles 'Hey Jude', Handel's 'The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba' (which they called 'The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba to Galway'!). They also recorded Jewish Klezmer music with Andy Statman and made an album called 'Half Set in Harlem' featuring American Gospel singing.

Members of the band have included singers Dolores Keane, Maura O'Connell, Mary Black, Eleanor Shanley, Tommy Fleming and Andrew Murray. On the instrumental side Alec Finn, Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh, Jackie Daly, Mairtin O'Connor, Aidan Coffey, Charlie Piggott, Frankie Gavin, Colm Murphy, Derek Hickey, Mick Conneely, Brian McGrath, John Carty and John Faulkner have all toured and recorded with De Danann.