About The Band…

Cathal Hayden –

From Pomeroy in Co. Tyrone, Cathal’s eponymously titled solo album, released in 1999
is, according to Irish Music Magazine, ‘spiced by generous touches of blues from Hayden
and (guest musician and honorary ‘Dog’) McGlynn, taking just enough from their folk-funk
experiences to turn an outstanding traditional fiddle album into a toe-tapping, hand-
clapping, knee-wobbling tour de force’. Cathal is also a member of the Mairtin O Connor
band and have released two hugely successful albums.

Stephen Hayden –

Stephen, the most recent member of the band, is a younger brother of Cathal’s and
comes from a family steeped in traditional fiddle music in Co Tyrone. His style is vibrant
and very dynamic which is the hallmark of the Four Men and a Dog sound. His duet
fiddles along with Cathal, creates a powerhouse sound which encaptulates the audience.
He has recorded with Cathal on his solo projects. He also runs “Haydens Bar” in Co
Tyrone which is well renowned for the all night music sessions usually steered by Stephen
himself.

Kevin Doherty –

From Buncrana in Co. Donegal, Kevin’s debut album ‘Strange Weather’ was acclaimed as
‘nothing short of a revelation’ by Country Music International whilst his classic offering
‘Sweet Water’ has become popularised as the soundtrack to the hit TV series Watermelon
– starring Anna Friel, Brenda Fricker and Sean McGinley. With ‘a finely tuned ear for the
modern beat poetry of isolation’ – The Sunday Times – Kevin’s lyrical creativity has long
been central to the success of Four Men and a dog, an irresistible synergy of Irish Trad
and bluegrass.

Gino Lupari –

From Magherafelt in Co. Derry, with numerous guest album and concert appearances with
performers such as Kate Rusby, Ron Kavana and Liz Doherty amongst others, Gino has
yet to produce a solo CD but rumours of a private members only Fitness Video still
abound up and down the country. In serious demand as a session musician, Gino’s talent
is only limited by the size of his personality – and believe me, that’s not dished out in small
portions!

….. and finally,

Dónal Murphy –

From Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, Donal was one of the five founder members of the original
Dogs, as glorious photos of the bare faced teenager will attest!
He is also a member of new 3 piece “Breaking Trad” with Niall Murphy (fiddle) & Mike
Galvin (guitar/vocals) and released the same titled debut album in May 2015.
He was also a member of Sliabh Notes, alongside Matt Cranitch and Tommy O’Sullivan,
they recorded three albums, ‘Sliabh Notes’, ‘Along Blackwaters Banks’ and ‘Gleanntan’
(on which Hot Press’s Siobhan Long reported that Donal’s accordion merited particular
mention for its ‘double jointed manoeuvres that somehow sound like they were born and
reared in the ether, with neither hide nor hair of human interference.’ ) Donal released the
long awaited Solo album “Happy Hour” in 2009.
Donal’s accordion plays a pivotal role in the unique sound that is Four men and a Dog!