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photo: Sophia Felumaz Santabarbara

MacBóchra
L to R
Brendan Duffin – Bodhrán, drums, voice.
Gormfhlaith Ní Shíocháin Ní Bheoláin- Whistles, voice, sean nós dance.
Brian Sheehan- Bodhrán, voice, guitar, jaw harp.
Brian Leach- Hammer dulcimer, monochord, whistles, voice.

The word 'seanchas' in the Irish language refers to the ancient histories, laws, traditions, geneologies and lore of Ireland. We reshape this vast wealth of tradition and storytelling into new bilingual music, poetry and dance.

Is ón seanchaí is sine, an breac, an fiolar agus an fiach dubh, Fintan Mac Bóchra, a thagann ár n-ainm. Tuigeann ár mbanna an traidisiún ina fhórsa beo go gcuimhnítear air i bhfoirmeacha éagsúla... aistear a bhíonn le roinnt ag an lucht féachana.

We take our name from the shape shifting salmon, eagle, hawk and oldest seanchaí Fintan mac Bóchra. Our band explores tradition as a force living on and remembered in different forms...a shared jouney with our audience.

Our music features arrangements for two bodhrans, tin whistles, tiompán, voices, hammer dulcimer, sean nós dance and electronics, exploring territory that is informed by Irish traditional music yet distinctive in its own right.

Using stories found in the National Folklore Collection, we recently collaborated with artist Sophia Felumaz Santabarbara on a photographic exploration of the stories and beliefs associated with 'The Stray Sod - An Fóidín Meara'.

This project, entitled 'Seachrán Sí' , can be found here

We are also currently collaborating with Cork City company Strive Theatre on Goll

The project is a theatrical adaption of the major narratives associated with Fintan mac Bóchra. An experimental fusion of music, poetry, drama and dance, the show is due to premiere in 2025.

Upcoming Gigs

Ó Bhéal Winter Warmer Festival
Sunday 24th November, 2.30pm

Work in progress performance of 'Goll'