CLARE | DONEGAL | KERRY | MAYO

1997 -

OVERVIEW Bumblebees was an all female traditional band. The group came together in Galway when Mary Shannon, Colette O'Leary and Laoise Kelly all found themselves in Galway and decided to start playing together. This was, initially a loose collective with the grils playing around the country at various fleadhs and sessions. However, in about 2007, the trio were asked to play support to Mary's sister, Sharon Shannon, for a series of gigs. As part of this the girls required a name. Bumblebees was initially rejected as an option but the lack of a suitable alternative meant that the title stuck. The band released two albums during its career - 'Bumblebees' [1997] and 'Buzzin'' [1999]. By the time the band released its second album, former Nomos fidddler, Liz Doherty, had joined the line up. She subsequently left the group in 2000. There are no known releases after this period. Mary has played with her sister in The Woodchoppers. Laoise Kelly has released a number of solo albums. 1997 - Bumblebees comes into existence - Release of 'Bumblebees' album 1999 - Release of 'Buzzin' album [September] 2000 - Liz leaves the group