Deirdre Shannon

Deirdre Shannon grew up in Cushendall, a village in Northern Ireland. She started singing in the local church choir as a child, where she first learned the traditional ballad "Silent O Moyle." That song became closely associated with her, though some traditionalists criticized her interpretation for being too modern.

She moved to Dublin to pursue music, performing in pubs and clubs. Her debut album was titled "Silent O Moyle," and she later released others including "The Shadowlands" and "The Road to the Pure Drop." She has worked with other Irish musicians like Christy Moore and Sharon Shannon.

Her band has included John Walsh on bodhrán, Eamon Murray on bouzouki and vocals, Robbie Harris on fiddle and vocals, and Kieran Leonard on whistles and vocals. They tour regularly, playing at festivals and concerts.