This week, Miriam O'Callaghan interviews the Shannon family. From County Clare, all four play traditional music with Sharon pursuing a high profile solo career as an accordian player.
The four siblings recall how the eldest brother Garry was the first in the family to learn music and how his three younger sisters took to traditional music with ease. Supported by their parents, local teachers and local musicians like the Custys, the Shannons learnt more about music, diversifying from tin whistles to other instruments. In their teenage years, they travelled widely as part of a group called Disert Tola.
The siblings shared their happy memories of their childhood. They told Miriam about the dogs and ponies on the family farm and about the mischief they got up to. They played some tapes for Miriam of messages they recorded as very young children for their aunt Teresa who emigrated to Australia in the 1950s.
Garry, the eldest, encouraged Sharon's music when she was a child, but their paths went different directions when she chose a life in music. Garry, as well as the rest of the family, worried about Sharon as she abandoned her studies to pursue her music. They all express great pride in her achievements. Her most recent album, Flying Circus was recorded with the RTE Concert Orchestra.
Though the others are not full time professionals, Garry plays with the Kilfenora Ceili Band; Majella teaches and Mary has recently released a CD in aid of the Williams Syndrome Association.
In adult life, the Shannons have remained close to each other and to their parents who continue to live on the family farm. Mary's eldest daughter was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome. Mary explains to Miriam how the diagnosis was made while Majella tells Miriam of how much the family love Sally Mae. Sharon's family were supportive when her partner of many years died suddenly four years ago. As was always the case through their lives, music continues to provide a bond between the siblings.
They played a selection of traditional tunes from their repetoire for Miriam.