Trinity Island Group, Michael Banahan & Bill Shanley
There is a fresh buzz pulsing through the local traditional and contemporary music scene, and the newly established New Leitrim Folk Club is pulling out all the stops for its next event. Music fans are in for a massive treat next month as the club announces a powerhouse, double-headline bill featuring the groundbreaking new group Trinity Island alongside acclaimed Roscommon singer-songwriter Michael Banahan.
The blockbuster night of acoustic music is locked in for Saturday, 11th July at the beautifully vibrant Leitrim Inn & Blueway Lodge in Leitrim Village.
Two Headline Acts, One Unmissable Night
The Sound of Trinity Island
This newly formed, multi-talented quintet is quickly earning a reputation for a sound that is as expansive as it is deeply rooted. By blending driving traditional Irish dance tunes with rich, vocal-led folk arrangements, Trinity Island crafts a unique sonic footprint. Their music balances the raw, earthy energy of a late-night session with the polished, harmonic precision of contemporary folk theatre.
What gives Trinity Island their distinct edge is the clever interplay of instruments and textures brought forward by an impressive lineup of seasoned musicians:
James Wickham: Anchors the group's melodic drive on the accordion, weaving bright, fluid reels and jigs into the heart of their sound.
Aiden Beirne: Brings incredible versatility and rhythmic lift, switching effortlessly between banjo, mandolin, and acoustic guitar.
Andy Tyler: Drives the band’s dynamics, adding subtle depth on percussion while frequently pulling double duty on a second mandolin for intricate, layered string arrangements.
Caroline McGrath : Delivers stunning vocal melodies alongside beautiful instrumental textures on both the flute and the concertina.
David Knight: Completes the band's rich vocal wall, providing soulful lead and harmony vocals backed by solid, rhythmic acoustic guitar.
Michael Banahan and Bill Shanley
Sharing the top of the bill is Michael Banahan, a highly respected figure within Irish traditional and folk circles. For decades, the Roscommon native was best known behind the scenes as a major promoter and manager (working with legends like Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, and Paul Brady) and as a founding member of the folk collective Rig The Jig.
Recently, however, Banahan has moved decisively to the front of the stage as a solo singer-songwriter, releasing his critically acclaimed debut album of original material, Broken Heart.
Banahan’s music belongs to that deep lineage of country-tinged Irish balladry that wears its heart unashamedly on its sleeve. Armed with a acoustic guitar, a brilliant harmonica tone, and a singing voice frequently described by critics as "warm velvet," his live sets are a masterclass in the pure tradition of storytelling. His songs—ranging from personal tales of love, loss, and resilience to empathetic portraits of characters on the margins of society—carry a comforting, wistful melancholy that invites the listener to lean in close.
Joining Michael for a fantastic duo will be musician Bill Shanley.
Bill Shanley is a musician, composer and producer with over thirty years’ experience in the Irish and International music scenes, his unique playing style has kept him in good company and established him internationally through touring with and contributing to albums by Ray Davies, Mary Black, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Judy Collins, Paul Brady, Eleanor McEvoy to mention a few.
His musical career has seen him perform in the worlds top venues from the Olympic Theatre in Paris, with Noel Redding to mark the 20th anniversary of Jimi Hendrix passing to the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics with Sir Ray Davies whom he has also acted as musical director for since 2007. He is a key part of Mary Black’s band since the mid-1990’s. Currently Bill is touring with Gilbert O’Sullivan performing as a duo. Bill set up Cauldron Recording studios in 1999 which for 20 years was one of Irelands foremost studios. He then established Madison Studios in 2020 and formed his own record label and publishing company – Cauldron MuFíor Scéal. Coming from the renowned musical establishment Shanley’s Bar in Clonakilty, Bill has been heavily involved in promoting live music locally through Clonakilty International Guitar Festival, since its establishment and more recently as the producer of ‘The Shanley’s Sessions’ featuring 22 Irish Artists presented over six filmed episodes.
Elected to the Board of Directors at IMRO in 2019 Bill also serves on the Marketing and Membership Committee and the Distribution Committee. Bill lives in Donnybrook with his wife Joan and three children.
Event Details
With Trinity Island’s immersive, multi-instrumental "wall of sound" and Michael Banahan's intimate, narrative-driven songwriting, this joint-headline gig offers a perfect contrast and a spectacular showcase of the very best in modern Irish folk.
Venue: The Leitrim Inn & Blueway Lodge, Main Street, Leitrim Village www.bluewaylodge.ie
Date: Saturday, 11th July 2026
Doors Open: 8:00 PM
Show Starts: 9:00 PM
With the New Leitrim Folk Club fast becoming the region's go-to hotspot for acoustic music enthusiasts, early arrival is highly recommended to secure a good seat for what promises to be a standout highlights of the summer calendar.
Photos by David Knight www.davidknightphtoographer.com
