De Dannan are one of the most famous traditional Irish groups of the recent past. Their often-changing membership has spun off solo careers for singers Maura O'Connell, Mary Black and Dolores Keane and has included such luminaries as Andy Irvine, Johnny Moynihan, Frankie Gavin. They are regarded by many as one of the great Irish folk groups of recent years, along with the likes of Planxty and The Bothy Band.
De Dannan were formed in 1974 in the Irish-speaking area of Spiddal, Co. Galway, and then consisted of Frankie Gavin, Alec Finn, Johnny McDonagh and Charlie Piggott. Dolores Keane joined to become the first of many lead singers, for their debut album; since then, the lineup has changed many times, most especially the lead singer, which slot has also been occupied by Mary Black, Maura O' Connell, Johnny Moynihan, Eleanor Shanley and Tommie Fleming.
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