About An Banna

Phil — Vocals & Bodhrán

Phil is one of the founding members of An Banna, starting the band alongside Mick. He brings the vocals, the bodhrán and, more importantly, a good supply of stories.

Phil mostly remembers the lyrics — a few stories as well — and anything he doesn’t know, he simply makes up! Somehow, it all seems to work.

And when the music really gets him in the mood, you may occasionally spot Phil off the stage attempting a wee Irish dance. Whether it’s part of the performance or just something that happens, nobody is quite sure!

With his humour, personality and love of Irish music, Phil is very much at the heart of An Banna.

Mick — Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin & Vocals

A founding member of An Banna, Mick brings guitar, banjo, mandolin and vocals to the band, along with a genuine passion for music.

His wife will tell you that the guitar was Mick’s first love — and she’s spent years trying to keep up! She discovered this early in their relationship when, on one of their first car journeys, Mick strapped his guitar safely into the front passenger seat while she sat in the back.

All these years later, the love affair with music is still going strong. His wife has learned to share him with the guitar — although these days she insists on getting the front seat! 

Tim — Bouzouki, Bodhrán & Backing Vocals

Tim is An Banna’s bouzouki, bodhrán, occasional backing vocals and, when there’s no sound crew, sound engineer!

He can usually be found somewhere near the soundboard, pretending he knows exactly what all the buttons do. So far, nobody has complained loudly enough to prove otherwise.

There are also persistent rumours that Tim dresses up and takes part in historical re-enactments. Quite how someone from Cromwell’s army managed to desert and join an Irish band is still a mystery. We’re keeping an eye on him just in case.

And if all that wasn’t enough, Tim can catch a rugby ball — a skill which has absolutely nothing to do with the band, but he’s very proud of it.

Barry — Tin Whistle

Barry was the last member to join An Banna, but he certainly didn’t arrive quietly! A seasoned folk musician with years of experience playing in folk bands, Barry brings some striking Irish Whistle tunes and plenty of character to the band.

These days, a chair is considered an essential part of his musical equipment — but once he’s comfortably seated and the whistle is in hand, he’s ready to add those unmistakable Irish melodies to the An Banna sound.

He may be the newest member, but he’s quickly made his mark. Although, every now and then, you may hear the rest of the band asking, “Where’s Barry?” — he may have wandered off!