Lí Ban with Seamus O’Kane

Rud Nach Léir

Remembering old and creating new aspects of traditions from Lough Neagh and the Bann in the ancient province of Ulster in Ireland. Ríoghnach Connolly collaborates with family; aunts, uncles and cousins coming together to make this unique album. The name Lí Ban is the spirit of the lough itself, gone but not forgotten – An Bhanna, the Goddess. Lí Ban – ‘most radiant of women’ was the legendary mermaid of Lough Neagh.

Recovering songs and airs from the shores of Lough Neagh where previous generations fished the waters, built boats and composed songs that took their place in a once vibrant tradition. This mix of older airs, some found hidden in the harp music collections of Edward Bunting, some newly composed, we have named ‘Rud Nach Léir’ – that which is not apparent.