Additional Members

Ciara McCrickard

Vocals, Fiddle

A native of Castlewellan in County Down, traditional music and singing is in Ciara’s blood. From a family of musicians and singers, Ciara grew up within the Ulster singing tradition and now passes on her fiddle and singing skills to a new generation by teaching the Irish language, song and music when at home in The Mourne Mountains.

Ciara’s own teachers and influences include Tiona McSherry, (John’s sister) and many years of studying the techniques of unaccompanied (seán nós) singing with the masters has laid the foundations for success at home and abroad at Fleadhanna, Scór competitions and the festivals throughout Ireland. Indeed, Ciara continues to build her profile throughout Ireland through live shows, television and radio appearances and has won much admiration for her delicate and emotional treatment of both famous Irish ballads and more recently translated modern songs.

An accomplished musician in her own right, Ciara blends fiddle harmonies and driving melodies seamlessly with the band in her recent stage appearances with At First Light at home and abroad.

Michael McCague

Bouzouki, Guitar

Michael McCague has been playing bouzouki and guitar since the age of sixteen, having played traditional music on the fiddle from the tender age of six. His talents as an accompanist guitarist are in high demand and he has performed with countless high-profile musicians such as the highly renowned fiddle player Frankie Gavin.

In 2005, he recorded with Edel Fox (former TG4 young musician of the year) and Leitrim flute player Dave Sheridan along with Seamie O’Dowd and fiddle hero Brian Rooney. In 2006, he joined up with John Carty’s traditional group “At the Racket”, filling the role of previous guitarists Garry Ó Briain and Arty McGlynn, with whom he recorded their 3rd album – ‘It’s Not Racket Science’.

Other than Irish music, Michael has a diverse taste in other forms of music such as gypsy jazz, big band jazz, blues, classic rock n’ roll and Bluegrass music.

Ruben Bada

Guitar, Bouzouki

Ruben Bada was born in Aviles, in the northern coast of Asturies, and raised in the Cape Penes area, where the Asturian language and culture are still healthy and alive. He began playing guitar at the age of 14, learning both bouzouki and fiddle soon after. Ruben started his recording career in 1998 with the band Xeliba with whom he recorded two albums.

Shortly after, he became a highly sought after studio musician and producer, working with Asturian acts such as Anabel Santiago, Mari luz Cristobal, N’arba, Corquieu, Tejedor, Dixebra, Llac’n Pipe Band, u?, and Toli Morilla, touring extensively throughout Europe.

In 2000, Ruben won the Asturian Traditional Music Contest on fiddle and in 2006 he was awarded “Best Instrumentalist” in the Asturian Music Awards. Ruben has recorded on numerous high-profile albums including John McSherry & Dónal O’Connor’s critically acclaimed album ‘Tripswitch’ and John McSherry’s award winning album ‘Soma’ in 2010. He is currently a member of the Asturian band DRD, with whom he has recorded two critically acclaimed albums.

Tony Byrne

Guitar

Tony Byrne has been involved in music from a very young age. He began playing drums at the tender age of eleven and a year or two after, he was performing in rock bands in and around Dublin.

It was following a family holiday in West Kerry that Tony developed a keen Interest in Irish traditional music and he has been involved in the performance, recording and teaching of it ever since. He has performed and recorded with such acts such as Danú, At First Light, John McSherry, Sharon Shannon, Michael McGoldrick, Gerry O’Connor, David Munnelly Band, Matt Molloy and Paul Brady, and also with artists from different genres, such as the legendary guitarist Tommy Emmanuel and banjo virtuoso Bela Fleck. He is currently making a name for himself touring the world as a regular member of the Julie Fowlis Band.