Maranna McCloskey

Maranna McCloskey is a veteran of the traditional music scene. She has performed at numerous music festivals throughout Ireland and mainland Europe , as a competitor at Fleadhanna Cheoil, and as a member of the hotly-tipped, widely acclaimed and now sadly defunct traditional outfit "Oige".

Steeped in the culture of Comhaltas Ceoltoirí Éireann, Maranna spent her formative years attending seisiuns and learning songs from the local canon and beyond, helped in no small way by the wealth of material available from her parents, Lucy and Tommy Gerard, and the Kelly family.

As the singer with Oige, Maranna contributed to the developing sound of the act on their album "Bang On", touring extensively and sharing the stage with such luminaries as Sharon Shannon, Davy Spillane, Capercaille and Sinead O'Connor.

Currently working on her own material, Maranna is keen to stay close to her considerable traditional roots. Having taken a break from performing, following a year spent in Australia , she is eager to pick up where she left off by getting back on stage, touring and singing live.

As well as her remarkable singing, she is an accomplished flautist, and pianist, all of which have contributed to her live performances, her own compositions and stunning harmonies, which have caught the attention of music lovers at home and further afield, bringing her such accolades as Best Female Newcomer 2002 in the Irishamericannews.com "Top Tir" awards.