Irish & Scottish Bands

Who is Eamonn Ryan
In the mid 1950’s, Patrick Joseph Ryan of Tipperary, Ireland, was working in England as a linesman, installing high-tension power lines throughout the country. One night at a local dance he spotted a beautiful young redhead named Mary Frances Dooley who had recently finished her training and was a registered nurse at the facility where she schooled. They fell in love. PJ and Mary set plans to travel to the United States, where PJ had family, marry and start a new life in the land of opportunity. So in the fall of 1957 they were married in Montclair, NJ. USA. They had four children, Michael, Maureen, Eamonn and Eileen.

As the children grew, they were immersed in the traditions and customs of the Irish Culture. There was music, dance, folklore, and of course humor. All of the children realized how much their parents loved their Erin Isle. So much so that after 37 years in the United States, PJ and Mary had a home built and returned to retire in Tipperary. Ah, but I’m getting ahead of myself!

As a small boy, Eamonn would cozy up next to his Mother as she sang and played the Piano. He would often join in and sing along to all the Irish tunes, and as time went on he began to sing them alone remembering every word. Soon he got his hands on his brother’s guitar, and with no lessons or musical training of any kind, he taught himself how to play all those wonderful songs.

As time progressed, Eamonn made trips to Ireland and strengthened his conviction to keep the traditions alive. After a few stints with various rock bands and a couple of years as a solo balladeer, Eamonn tapped his heritage and formed The Eamonn Ryan Showband. Eamonn joined forces with well known Ceile’ musician, Ed Kennedy, who provides keyboards and piano-accordion; he then called on long time friend and versatile musician Tom Gentile to provide Synthesizer, Lead-Guitar, Vocals, and Creative Direction. Session drummer Chuck Delba provides Professional percussion. He has recorded with many top name performers including Lita Ford. To round things out, and to customize their program, the Showband is often times graced by the addition of some of the finest musicians in the business. Award-winning button accordion player Martin "Buddy" Connolly, Ed’s twin brother Dave on Piano Accordion. When a female vocalist is requested the Showband calls on Gina D’Innocenzio.

The band has built up a great following in their native New Jersey, and are well on their way to becoming a household name in the Tri-State Irish Community. With their vast repertoire they have been able to satisfy both the young and matured audiences without missing a beat.

To Eamonn it’s just keeping the tradition alive and singing along with Mom at the Piano.

Among other cities, Eamonn Ryan Band may serve the following areas: Newark, Paterson, Jersey City, New Brunswick, Clifton, Edison, Elizabeth, Morristown, Plainfield, East Orange, Mahwah, Wayne, Whippany, Branchville, Caldwell, Dover, Hackensack, Haledon, Hawthorne, Kearny, Montclair, Orange, Paramus, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, Raritan, Ridgewood, Sayreville, Secaucus, Somerset