Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan coming to Leitrim
Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan are coming to The Leitrim Inn as part of an Irish summer tour
Eleanor Shanley and Mike Hanrahan have announced the release of The Ghost of you, a new four-track EP to coincide with their Irish summer tour dates 2026 which will include a visit to The Leitrim Inn on 20 June in Leitrim Village.
One of Irelands foremost singers, Eleanor, from Keshcarrigan, Leitrim is renowned for her unique interpretation of Irish and Roots songs.
Eleanor first came to prominence with De Dannan before establishing a highly successful solo career, releasing seven studio albums to date. Her collaborations span an impressive range of artists including Sharon Shannon, Charlie McGettigan, Patrick Bergin, Eddi Reader, classical guitarist John Feely, Ultan Conlon, Garadice and American gospel singer Ivan LeParr.
Eleanor has received numerous awards for her contribution to folk music, most recently being inducted into The Tondør Festival Hall of Fame in Denmark. In August Eleanor presents her first art exhibition at The Pembroke in Kilkenny.
One of her most treasured partnerships was with the legendary Ronnie Drew, resulting in two acclaimed albums and the much-loved hit A Couple more Years. Both albums were produced by singer songwriter Mike Hanrahan.
In 2014 Eleanor was invited by Leitrim County Council and Arts Officer Philip Delamere to spearhead the Leitrim Equation 4 Project. 2014 also saw Eleanor being selected as Leitrim Guardian Person of the Year.
Mike’s career began with Maura O Connell in the duo Tumbleweed before he joined the internationally celebrated Stocktons Wing as guitarist and songwriter.
Over the years he has written for theatre and film, produced numerous recordings including three solo albums, and performed extensively with Ronnie Drew.
He has worked with Finbar Furey, Leslie Dowdall, Gavin Glass and The Forgetmenots choir.
His memoir Beautiful Affair - A Journey in Music Friendship and Food was shortlisted for 2019 National book awards. In 2024 he co- presented the hit RTE television series Songs of Ireland alongside Pat Shortt.
Mike is a Senior Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, Trinity College Dublin, exploring creative arts in brain health care.
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The songs
Craggy Hill written by Mike, inspired by the unsung women of the Irish revolution.
Gulf Coast highway written by Nancy Griffiths, James Hooker and Danny Flowers is a song of reminiscence and enduring love.
A Couple more years, by Shel Silverstein and Denis Locorriere, reflects on experience and the perspective that comes with age.
Four Green fields. the final piece is a haunting rendition of a song written by Irish folk legend Tommy Makem.
Eleanor says, “These songs carry so many memories for us. Recording A Couple More Years again felt like stepping back into the room with Ronnie — the laughter, the stories, the gentleness of him. The Ghost of You is our way of honouring those moments while sharing new ones with audiences who come to our shows.”