Buttevant native, Alan Finn is unique in his vast contribution to the traditional music
industry in this country as combined musician, teacher and mentor. A multi instrumentalist
highly proficient on button accordion, fiddle and viola to name a few, Alan is leader of the
Shandrum Céilí Band the latest to achieve the elusive triple All Ireland Winning status. This
band was formed in 2014 and retained the Shandrum name as a tribute to the original
Shandrum band formed back in the early 50’s. They have played to vast crowds too much
acclaim both at home and abroad in the past few years. The Shandrum were honoured to
be invited by President Michael D. Higgins to perform at Áras an Uachtaráin on St.
Patricks Day 2016 and also performing at official state commemoration for the 1916 rising
in Dublin Castle again for President Michael D. Higgins, his wife Sabina and many
dignitaries the world over. Along with leading the Shandrum, Alan has achieved so much
in his own right and he attributes much of this to the influence of his grandfather, Peter
Cremin, who brought him to his first All Ireland Fleadh from an early age and his grand
aunt, Mary McCarthy, herself a noted musician in her own right.
In 2009, Alan had the privilege of performing for US President Barack Obama and his wife
Michelle in the White House, Washington to celebrate St.Patricks day. He was chosen as
one of five musicians to represent Ireland at this very memorable concert for Barack
Obama’s first year in office. Among a host of other dignitaries at this prestigious concert
was Vice-President Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowan, Martin
McGuiness, Gerry Adams, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and host of many other
dignitaries from around the world.
On St. Patricks Day, March 17th 2023, Alan travelled to Santa Cruz de La Palma, on the
Canary Islands to perform a series of concerts. In recognition of his musical talents and
how well received the concerts were, Alan was given a civic reception in Santa Cruz, being
awarded a medal of honour from the lord mayor and was given the freedom of the city.
Alan has numerous All Ireland titles to his name, at various levels. These include a Senior
duet with Rory McMahon in 2010, being the only Cork native to achieve this. Three years
later he achieved the Senior trio All Ireland also with Rory McMahon along with Eoin
O’Sullivan. He was the leader of the All Ireland winning Awbeg Céilí Band in 2012, of
which he was also leader. He won the all Ireland Solo Viola in 2014, Senior Grupai Ceoil in
2011 along the three all Irelands in a row as the leader of the Shandrum Céilí Band.
Coupling this with the many 2nd and 3rd placings in earlier years.
Alan has tutored many young groups in Comhaltas and Scór competitions. Winning the All
Ireland instrumental group category with the Buttevant Scór group in 2002 of which he was
a member, he went on to train the Boherbue instrumental group who won three all Ireland
titles in a row 2007-2009. Alan is also lead teacher at the well-known and successful
Craobh Chronáin Branch of Comhaltas most recently achieving All Ireland status at the
Plearacha/Scor All Ireland in the Brú Boru in Cashel. His under age Crossfields Céilí band,
under 12, under 15 and under 18 have achieved 11 all Ireland titles since 2011 including a
3 in a row win under 15 and record breaking 5 in a row win under 18. Alan is a recipient of
the Micheál Ó hEidhin medallion for TTCT teaching course (2018). Alan is a regular
performer at sessions, céilí’s and concerts throughout the country and abroad. He has
often been called upon to adjudicate at Fleadh Cheoil and Scór competitions and he teach
es at many master classes and festivals throughout Ireland. In 2019, Alan received the
Churchtown medal of honour for his work in preserving the musical heritage of North Cork.
Alan also provides musical tuition in various primary schools in North Cork area, teaching
all students tin-whistle while also encouraging the progression to a number of different
instruments.
