Na Fianna
From the first to the fourth century Ireland was protected from invasion by a group of men that were known as Na Fianna. These men were made up of members from many different tribes whose aim was to protect and preserve the Irish way of life, her culture and her arts. Today we have one such group of men who continue in that pursuit – through music- while under the same name.
Na Fianna stands for all that is good about Irish music and song. The band began in March 2007 and they quickly built a reputation for energetic and passionate performances on stage. In 2009, Na Fianna entered the All Ireland Talent Show on Ireland’s national television station, RTE. With an average viewing audience of 1 million people, and four live performances Na Fianna became a household name finishing in second place out of 6,000 competitors. The show catapulted them onto both a national and international platform, further increasing their ambition for continued achievement. Over the past eight years Na Fianna have played in many noted venues all over Ireland, Europe and the United States. “Truth in our hearts, strength in our hands and fulfilment in our tongues”
The band has evolved through the years and now comprises of brothers Ciaran and Hugh Finn, James O’Connor and Peter McMahon. These young men continue to transcend generational barriers with their unique interpretation of Ireland’s rich heritage through storytelling and song. They are professional, hardworking, highly skilled musicians who stay true to themselves and their heritage. Loyalty to tradition and each other is their forte. This ethos, combined with their exceptional capacity to entertain, has been the catalyst for the continued rise of Na Fianna.
The songs they perform are original, traditional and contemporary, with a very exciting sound, to drive the masses of audiences they have played for into a fresh and new musical satisfaction. Festival Tours of Ireland, England, Norway, Germany and the United States along with TV Appearances on RTE, Irish TV and TV3 have secured a broad fan base and media attention.
With one live album under their belt, the “Stable Sessions”, they now have their second album, “UnEarthed”, released in July 2015, with their debut single, “Toora Loora Lay”, going to number 1 in the world charts along with the new Album reaching No1: In the Indie Charts. This new music of Na Fianna will surely excite their fans, and the people lucky enough to discover this band, are in for a real treat.
Band Members
Ciaran is from Rathdowney, Co Laoise in the Heart of the midlands of Ireland. Ciaran grew up in a family immersed in trad music, and travelled to Dublin to study trad music after finishing school. Ciaran began his passionate career in trad music while in Dublin, coming to eventually join Na Fianna.
Ciaran Finn
Ciaran Finn
James is from Tournafulla, West Limerick in the West of Ireland. His family tree is drenched in music back many generations. James began playing music at the age of 4, developing into a great multi instrumentalist and singer. With music coursing through his blood, James destined to become part of Na Fianna.
James O'Connor
James O'Connor
Hugh, younger brother to fellow band member Ciaran Finn, is also from the small town of Rathdowney and soaked in Finn music ancestry. Hugh is a multi instrumentalist and singer, mastering the banjo in particular. Hughes passion for music and Ireland led him to Na Fianna, sharing his skill and musical essence with the masses.
Hugh Finn
Hugh Finn
Peter McMahon
Peter hails from Tournafulla, West Limerick in the West of Ireland. Music firmly prominent and encased within his family. Peter began his relationship with music with the tin whistle, but found his passion with percussion. His rhythmic beat and musical heritage echos through Na Fiannas music adding the perfect backdrop for his fellow players