The stage is no stranger to Richard. He came to London from Dublin in the 1990’s to further his career in performing arts. Once he obtained his degree in music he travelled the world performing with live bands on cruise ships, whilst pursuing keen interests in acting and tap dancing on the side. A humble man, Richard has to date raised over £250,000 for charity, mainly through organising concerts and charity balls. In 2010, he was selected to appear on ‘Tonights the Night’ where he was flown to Las Vegas for a private singing lesson with Barry Manilow.
“Barry was such a lovely guy, very warm and giving of advice. He took me through a few of his songs and told me how he’d sing them.
“At one point my mind just went blank when the realisation set in that there I was, on Barry Manilow’s stage, with him playing on the piano! It was amazing.”
Richard thoroughly enjoys returning to his roots and singing Irish songs, along with a vast selection of country favourites.
John Moran
John Moran - Fiddle and Trumpet
Although John's roots may be in classical music, his style of fiddle playing is recognised with numerous medals at International level. On the road with Daniel for nine years, John is a great entertainer as well as musician. He has previously worked with the National Youth Brass Band and Staffordshire Brass Band as well as the honour of principle cornet for the University of Birmingham Brass Band. John usually gets out his trumpet for a few sets!
Eddie Doherty
Eddie Doherty - Drums
Since Eddie has joined Cairde he has continued to bring upbeat tempos and laughter to the group. He has over thirty years experience travelling the world in many different folk, country, jazz, rock and blues bands, and has been involved in the Irish music scene in Birmingham since he was a child. In addition, he has previously volunteered for the Birmingham Irish pipes and drums. Eddie comes from County Louth.
Michael Green
Michael Green - Banjo, Mandolin and Backing Vocals
Mike is a world champion medal winner on the Banjo with over thirty years of experience on the road touring around the UK and Ireland in various traditional and contemporary bands. Born in Birmingham, Mike's roots are firmly placed in Galway which is reflected in his musical style. As well as a master of the Banjo, Mike is also able to play the Bodhran (Irish drum) and even lilt. In his spare time he devotes his time to a local Irish music society where his two son’s are keen musicians.
Daniel O'Connor
Daniel O'Connor - Piano, Bass and Irish Dance Caller
Daniel has been on the road playing Irish music in England for ten years. An All Britain medal winner in Irish music, Daniel is an accomplished piano player who has entertained crowds as far afield as the United States and Italy. As a child and young adult, he competed in numerous national set dancing championships and provides the band with calling for traditional Ceili dancing at weddings and parties. Daniel's roots lie in County Armagh and County Mayo.
Kevin Maher
Kevin Maher - Button Accordion and Guitar
Kevin is committed to the development of traditional Irish music and teaches Button Accordion to children at the local Irish centre. A modest musician, he currently holds the 2009 British Button Accordion title. Kevin directs the traditional music within the band and spends time writing new jigs, reels and hornpipes. As well as band commitments, Kevin has two other loves in his life - U2 and Liverpool FC! Kevin hails from County Tipperary.