Eleanor Shanley & Garadice

Eleanor Shanley & Garadice

Garadice was born out of the Leitrim Equation Programme, a Leitrim Co. Council residency initiative focused on celebrating, promoting and developing Leitrim artists. Named after a scenic area in South Leitrim and consisting of four artists with strong Leitrim roots, the band was described as an ‘embryonic supergroup’ by Alex Monaghan (Folkworld) following the release of their self-titled debut album in 2018. Their second Album ‘Sanctuary’ was released to high acclaim in September 2023 and the group were honoured with a nomination in the ‘best folk group’ category at the 2024 RTE folk awards. Much of the repertoire on these recordings is from historic and recent sources connected to Co. Leitrim.

Eleanor Shanley is one of the most loved and respected vocalists in Ireland. Nearly 30 years since starting her musical career as a vocalist with De Danann, and her voice as pure and lyrical as the first day she stepped in front of a microphone in 1990. Renowned for her unique interpretation of Irish and Roots songs Eleanor has been at the top of her profession since joining De Danann and has recorded many solo albums including Desert Heart, A Place of My Own and her most recent, Forever Young from which her single, the Thom Moore classic Gorgeous and Bright, was the most played track on RTE 1 Radio for the summer of 2015.Eleanor has toured Ireland, Canada, The USA, Europe, China and Japan both as a soloist, together with De Danann and other artists. She has also recorded with many great musicians including Ronnie Drew with whom she recorded two albums (Ronnie Drew and Eleanor Shanley and El Amor De Mi Vida), Sharon Shannon, Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, U2, The Dubliners and many more.

Dave Sheridan’s flute playing has been described as “a highly accomplished free flowing fluid style, with sound technique and solid driving rhythm” (Hot Press Magazine) and a flute style, which takes on “Lark like qualities” (fRoots Magazine). On the back of his critically acclaimed debut album Sheridans Guesthouse, he released his second solo flute album entitled Drivin’ Leitrim Timber in 2010. This album has received rave reviews, with The Irish Times describing it as “a joy…. a thoughtfully organised collection, that celebrates a fluid free flowing regional flute style….with enough sharp edges to keep the listener’s antennae on high alert for the next hairpin bend”. Dave has recorded with artists from renowned traditional groups like Lunasa, Dervish, At The Racket and De Danann as well as performing on many occasions with the Sligo based band Téada. He has also performed on The Late Late Show, The Ray Darcy Show, Geantrai, The Reel Deal and Fleadh Live.

John McCartin started playing the fiddle at the age of 10 under the tutelage of Frank Kelly and later Maureen Fahy. He won many county and provincial titles at underage levels. Inspired by bands like Planxty, Dervish and Lunasa John turned his attention to accompaniment in his adult life. Since then he has become a regular accompanist to many of the traditions greatest exponents. His collaboration on the ‘Carlos Sweeney McCartin’ album in 2019 has been widely acclaimed across the island of Ireland and beyond.

Padraig McGovern hails from Ballymagovern, a townland in the Cavan-Leitrim border area but has resided in Monaghan town for the best part of a decade. He was taught by Belturbet piper P.J. Flood and heavily influenced by accordionist Vincent Tighe and the Leitrim researcher and collector Fr. John Quinn. Pádraig has recorded with numerous artists over the past decade, including a duet album with Peter Carberry entitled ‘Forgotten Gems’ (2013). His recording of ‘Easter Snow’ and ‘Sally Gally’ with pianist Ryan Molloy was shortlisted in the best folk track category at the 2021 RTE folk awards. He has worked as a researcher/performer on many projects including ‘The Leitrim Equation 4’ and ‘The Pipes, The Pipes’, a show devised by Dónal Dineen and produced by Siobhán O’ Malley. Padraig has also performed with many household bands and artists including Lúnasa, Dervish, Téada, Gatehouse, Steve Cooney, John Carty and Dónal Lunney.