Mike Donaghy has been making a name for himself in Ireland and the UK ever since releasing his first EP “January Never Came This Year” back in 2009. The blend of his music and songwriting creates a very unique sound, occasionally being linked to folk, Americana and bluegrass.

Mike grew up listening to the sounds of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, The Beatles and Van Morrison. He was fortunate to be part of a musical family, and reside in a home that was never short of instruments; his father working as a TV producer and director, and more importantly, on music shows!

He remembers vividly sitting round the fire at home joining in and learning songs with such legends as the Clancy Brothers, June Tabor, Ralph McTell, Kieran Goss, Sonny Curtis and long time friends the Sands Family

Mike left school with a passion for music, a handful of songs and a vision which would send him deep into the music business. It’s what he wanted to do and he did.

‘His writing had a great sense of place and it paints a very clear picture. His stories are steeped in emotion, honesty and humour’  Tommy Sands.

His on stage instrumentation stems from his passion for music and his eagerness to learn all types of music. At present, Mike plays guitar, piano, mandolin, lap steel, pedal steel, banjo, ukulele and saxophone. He has been a professional musician for five years and spends most of his spare time writing songs.

Since beginning his musical career he has gained many credits, including a top ten in the folk download chart in New Jersey in 2010 and numerous appearances in the Irish download chart, as well as writing music for film and TV.

In 2011 his song ‘Brighter Days’ was used as a United Nations peace song and from there Mike and the band went on to perform at the World Peace Concert in Dublin during December of that year. Later this year they will play at another World Peace concert to be held in Rome. 2012 will be a busy year for Mike, with an Irish tour in preparation followed by a full European schedule.

Mike currently performs the length and breadth of Ireland, as well as the UK and Europe, primarily with his band ‘Mike Donaghy & Border Crossing’. His debut Album entitled 'I Wish You Well' released in Ireland in September 2011 created a great buzz amongst radio stations, record and publishing companies.

In 2011 his song ‘Brighter Days’ was used as a United Nations peace song and from there Mike and the band went on to perform at the World Peace Concert in Dublin during December of that year. Later this year they will play at another World Peace concert to be held in Rome.

2012 will be a busy year for Mike, with an Irish tour in preparation followed by a full European schedule.

The album is available to buy on iTunes, Amazon mp3 and from Mike Donaghy Music  Proceeds from the album are being donated to the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice,     a charity that Mike is very supportive of.

Musicians: Mike Donaghy: Vocals/Guitar/Mandolin/Piano/Drums

Jody Headley: Backing Vocals Brian McClean: Backing Vocals/Whistles

Richard Hodgen: Drums/Percussion Nick Scott: Bass Guitar/Drums/Percussion

Rik Gay: Drums/Percussion Ivan McLernon: Dobro/Pedal Steel

See Tour Dates for Mike's Gigs