Watch: Traditional group 3 on the Bund perform Sheephaven Bay ahead of Donegal gig

Traditional music group 3 on the Bund, featuring Donegal musicians Susan Coleman and Ella McGrory, is appearing in Donegal as part of a national tour.

Founded in 2019, 3 on the Bund came together through the Irish World Academy at the University of Limerick and “rapidly went from unknown to hot property”, according to Folk World.

The group, known for its dynamic blend of traditional Irish music with modern influences, is playing at The Balor, Ballybofey on October 8.

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Impressively managing to record, produce, and release their debut album Frenzy during the Covid-19 pandemic, the band has been going from strength to strength within the Irish traditional music scene and is in high demand.

“Over the last few years, we've been steady touring across Europe, the US and Asia, so we're very excited to be performing at home in Ireland for a change! We’d be delighted to provide more details or arrange an interview if suitable,” Susan said.

The tour will also take in Whelans in Dublin; on October 7,  the Dúchas Centre in Tralee on  October 9, Monroe’s in Galway on October 10, the Whale Theatre in Wicklow  on October 11, and  Dolans in Limerick on October 12.

Susan, from Castlefinn, grew up in a home filled with music on both sides of her family. 

She learned music from her mother’s side, the renowned Harper Family from Donegal. She learned from her father’s family, the Colemans and Hirrells. Following in her family’s footsteps, Susan has gained widespread recognition through competition, winning numerous awards at All-Ireland level Fleadhanna. 

Susan is currently working full-time as a musician, performing with various bands and projects, teaching at festivals across Europe, as well as offering private lessons.

The band’s repertoire features Sheephaven Bay, a song  which Susan originally learned from her granny, who was from Cloontagh in Inishowen, when growing up. 

Fiddler and pianist Ella McGrory comes from Culdaff. An All-Ireland Fleadh winning musician, she has taught and performed worldwide.

In 2021, Ella and her sister Deirdre released an EP titled Loinnir which was heralded by Altan’s Mairéad Ní Mhaoinigh for illustrating “the depth of maturity in their performances and approach… bringing a contemporary sound which breathes new life into the old”. 

Ella was featured with her sister on the TG4 television series, Ceol ón Earagail (2024). When not touring, Ella continues to have huge involvement in the Inishowen Traditional Music Project, performing, teaching and helping with events.

The band’s line up is completed by Waterford multi-instrumentalist Rebecca McCarthy-Kent on fiddle; Simon Pfisterer from Bavaria on uilleann pipes, flute and whistles and County Kerry multi-instrumentalist Seán Kelliher on guitar and bodhrán.