They were originally pulled together after several of them had placed first at the '77 Fleadh in Ennis.   Their banjo player, Kieran Hanrahan, is the host of the long-running RTE Radio Show - Céilí House.

The last time my wife and I ventured up to Chicago for a few gigs, I took note that their champion fiddler, Maurice Lennon, was performing semi-regularly in the City of Big Shoulders - I assume he lives there now.   (I'd like to get up to hear him.)

I really admired the singer - I think Callaghan is his name.

Sorry I didn't get to the pavilions to see them compete at the Fleadh - there was too much drink on me, I'm afraid.   I did manage to have the sight of the barman split into two and then merge back again.   Seeing double - not bad for the novitiate that I was at the time.