For the 29th episode of the Stephen Leeson Show we welcomed a talented ensemble of Irish Folk musician - Abbeyfolk.

Abbeyfolk were originally formed in 1980 as a 4 piece ballad group by Jim Ring, his brother and two friends. For six years, they performed all over the country and supported Ireland's biggest acts at the time like the Furys, The Wolf Tones, the Dublin City Ramblers etc.

In 2010, the band was re-formed with Jim's son James as the lead singer. This line-up went on to release three successful albums and travelled all over Europe and the United States. Over the years, the line up has changed, but the original member, Jim, playing whistles and mouth organ, remained.

The current line-up features Kieran O'Mara on the bass, Anne Distel on the fiddle and mandolin and John Hosey as lead singer and guitarist. Having had successful tours of Ireland and Europe before lockdown, they are now looking forward to be “on the road again”.

Jim's musical interest was heavily influenced by the singing of his first cousin Patsy Watchorn and the Dublin City Ramblers, and also the Dubliners.

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