PROFILE OF THE BAND

Liam Heneghan Liam knows literally hundreds of old Irish songs and ballads of which he has been an avid collector of for many years. Liam sings the great ballads with gusto and vibrancy. He plays guitar and is also an accomplished accordion player. He has a tremendous interest in all things Irish and in particular the history of the Irish nation. Liam enjoys writing his own material and when he finds time enjoys gardening and attending local and national GAA fixtures. Liam is originally from Churchtown in Dublin.

Donal Cawley Donal plays the 5-string (Bluegrass) banjo with the band but is also an expert on the acoustic guitar, as well as enjoying playing the bodhran, tin whistle and harmonica. Donal has always had an interest in composing his own songs and is also keen to experiment with new songs and styles of playing Irish foldk music. Donal's songs tend to be the reflective type; believing that every ballad should tell a story. His other intersest include Irish art, literature, lcoal hsitory and anything to do with being outdoors. Donal was born in Dublin but raised in Casltebar, county Mayo in the west of Ireland.

Gareth Campbell As well as playing the mandolin, mandola and bodhrán in the band, Gareth is also an accomplished guitarist and drummer. His mandolin melodies are a distinct feature of any Merry Ploughboy performance, either live or in the recording studio, and these melodies have been known to extend to supporting would-be Elvis impersonators during impromptu Ploughboy sessions! Gareth is a great follower of all sports, especially the Dublin footballers, and he also enjoys playing gigs abroad, especially in Scandanavia and the USA.

Eoghan Heneghan Eoghan plays bass guitar in the band and like his brother Liam, he is also an accomplished accordionist. Eoghan has a distinctive baritone voice and is a great man to lead an impromptu session. Besides his interests in traditional music, Irish theatre and history, he enjoys travelling and making contacts with the folk traditions of other parts of the world.

Dermot Daly A classically trained violinist, Dermot played in many an orchestra and string quartet in his earlier life! His first love however is Irish music and as he says himself "I'll tune my fiddle and I'll resin me bow, and sure I'll be welcome where ever I go..!". A powerful singer, Dermot's soaring harmonies are instantly recognisable when the Ploughboys take the stage. Dermot enjoys travel and has recently been playing his fiddle in such far away places as Chile, Argentina and Egypt!