Leonard Barry and Declan Folan 

Leonard Barry and Declan Folan 

Leonard Barry, from North Kerry first met Declan Folan from South Sligo in London in the early 1990’s where they played music together on the traditional music scene. Between them they have shared the stage and recorded with many of  music greats including Kevin Burke, Dervish, John Spillane,Luka Bloom and Lisa O’Neill amongst many others. Both now live in Sligo and have recently released the critically acclaimed album Hurry the Jug with Sligo guitarist Shane McGowan.

Declan released his latest solo CD “All in Good Time” in 2017 and also released a collection “Skin and Bow” with Junior Davey in 1995 which includes many of his compositions. He learned directly from the masters of the South Sligo tradition including Fred Finn, Peter Horan and Andy Davey to name a few. 

Leonard released his last solo CD in 2013 entitled “New Road” which led to the formation of the band of the same name with Rick Epping, Seamie O’Dowd and Andy Morrow and have released one CD in 2016 entitles “Stone Walls and Street Lights”. He also features on Kevin Burke’s latest CD “Sligo Made.

Their repertoire is very much grounded in the tradition of the areas where they come form and also of the musicians that influenced and informed their musical journey. Musicians such Bobby Casey, Julia Clifford, Tommy Peoples, Liam O’Flynn, Joe Liddy to name a few whilst also featuring some new compositions from Declan and Sligo fiddle player Philip Duffy.

Handsome piping, bold fiddling _Kevin Burke

There’s a palpable sense of delight and ease permeating this collection. Musician’s who’ve parked their egos outside the door and let the music tell its own tales." _ The Irish Times