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All-female Irish trad group BIIRD sells out UK and Ireland venues after forming in 2024
The all-female Irish traditional supergroup performed for 10,000 people in Trafalgar Square on St Patrick's Day 2024 before ever playing together. Founder Lisa Canny had developed the concept for a decade. The group has since toured stadiums with Ed Sheeran and is completing its debut album.
May 16, 7:14 PM·2m read1 source
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BIIRD has sold out venues across the UK and Ireland, toured stadiums with Ed Sheeran, and built a global following without releasing a debut record, BBC News reported. The group formed in 2024. Eleven Irish traditional musicians stood side-by-side in elaborate costumes for their first performance on St Patrick's Day 2024 in Trafalgar Square to 10,000 people.
BIIRD had never played together before that show, with some members meeting for the first time only hours earlier. Miadhachlughain O'Donnell, a singer and flautist from County Down, described the Trafalgar Square performance as "It was mental, to be honest. " Lisa Canny is the founder of BIIRD.
The seven-time All Ireland harp and banjo champion from County Mayo had been developing the "Spice Girls of trad" concept for about a decade before forming the group in 2024. Lisa Canny's main objective for BIIRD other than making beautiful music is to change the image around women in trad and folk.
BIIRD alternates between eight and 11 musicians depending on the production. Zoran Donohoe, a concertina player from County Cavan, said the group size reached 11 and "we're going to have to go with this now". " according to Zoran Donohoe.
BIIRD works with Irish designers and stylists including Simone Rocha, Paul Costelloe and Sara O'Neill. BIIRD crossed paths with Ed Sheeran who joined them for an impromptu session in a County Wexford pub during the 2025 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. Zoran Donohoe said of meeting Ed Sheeran, "It was just instantly he was like, you guys are great, come on tour, what do you need?
Ed Sheeran brought BIIRD on as opening acts alongside Beoga, Amble and Aaron Rowe on his Loop tour. Eight of the BIIRD members joined Ed Sheeran's Loop tour for performances in Australia and New Zealand. Miadhachlughain O'Donnell spoke to BBC News NI in April about the Australia and New Zealand stadium shows.
