TRAD band Beoga describe themselves as “four Nordy lads and a Limerick lass”. That lass is Niamh Dunne. She sings and plays fiddle with Beoga who recorded with Ed Sheeran at his studio in the UK during the Summer.
In an interview with BBC Radio One. Sheeran confirmed that Beoga had spent a week in his studios and two of the tracks they recorded made the cut for the new album titled ‘÷’ (divide).
“They are called Beoga. They are really, really talented. And they came to my house to stay. We made some songs. Two of them have made the record actually. It’s jammy, it’s folky.”
Speaking to Limerick Post, Niamh confirmed that it was through a mutual association with singer/songwriter Foy Vance that Beoga were invited to Ed Sheeran’s studios.
“Foy Vance, a great singer/songwriter from the North of Ireland is a great friend of ours. He does a lot of co-writing with Ed. So it was Foy that introduced our music to Ed. And when Ed wanted to write some stuff about his Irish roots (his grandparents are Irish), we got the call!
“We are delighted, of course, and had a great few days hanging out and writing some music together. He’s every bit of as sound as he seems, a great person.”
Niamh can’t reveal too much about the tracks to feature on Ed’s new record but she did rather cryptically say the music features Galway and Wexford.
A release date for the album is yet to be announced. With sales exceeding 15 million for Ed Sheeran’s previous albums, Beoga can expect to have a busy 2017 as their profile is set to rise significantly in the coming months.
“We are delighted to have had the chance to work with him, and we are looking forward to the next part of the adventure!”
It has been an exciting 2017 so far for Niamh. As well as doing her hometown proud and giving everyone a new year boost with the exciting news, she also got married in Limerick last weekend. Finbarr Furey performed at the wedding playing for the couple’s first dance.
“I’m a proud Limerick woman so I’m thrilled! I got married on Friday, the same day Ed released the singles so it’s been a bit of a crazy week!”
