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David Shanahan

David Shanahan
Coming from Shantullig in West Cork, David Shanahan is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist with a deep interest in various aspects of Irish and folk music. His influences include Jimmy Crowley, Luke Kelly and John Spillane.

He regularly plays banjo and bodhrán at traditional music sessions across the country and is always exploring new ways to expand what those instruments can do. After learning the bodhrán from accomplished player Rónán Ó Snódaigh, David has performed as part of Rónán’s bodhrán club. He also performs solo under the name Dáithí Shanahan.

David has performed at ballad sessions in Dublin and Cork, hosting a regular session in Sin É in Cork for a period. A few years ago, he created Rócáin, an audio-visual project celebrating the ballads and songs of Cork city and county. A song from this project ‘Cucanandy’ was recently used in the film ‘Gleann’ by Jesse Gilbert.

He is also passionate about sean-nós singing and has performed unaccompanied singing at Skibbereen, Cork, and the Goilín Singing Club.

In addition to traditional music, David writes and performs his own traditionally influenced alt-folk songs. He has performed at venues such as Whelan’s, De Barra’s, and Levis’, supporting acts like Junior Brother and First Class and Coach. He continues to release music as part of this ongoing project.

Levis’ Corner House, Ballydehob, 2022, photo by Jason Lee.
Whelan’s, Dublin, 2022, photo by Andy Sheridan.
Cucanandy’, Rócáin Livestream, 2020, video by Trevor Roycroft.