Testimonials
The singing voice of Ann Kirrane is one of great beauty. It is soulful and spellbinding and transports one to an altogether blissful space.
On this album she delivers a heartful collection of songs with gentility and great style.
Mick Crehan, Crane Bar
Ann Kirrane, One Small Star - "Ann Kirrane performs magic on a number of familiar tunes that will delight the listener even if you already have a preconceived notion of how they should sound. This is no small feat, as we all have a protective feeling about old friends of songs.
The songs on One Small Star include 'Wayfaring Stranger,' 'Swanee' and 'My Love is Like a Red Red Rose.' But there are lesser-known tracks here that will draw tears of sadness or joy from anyone with a heart. Topmost of these has to be 'Bless the Road,' which is beautifully written, performed and accompanied.
'County Down' is another gem on offer on this CD, along with 'Green Hills of Clare,' recalling the thoughts of those living away from their native lands. Showing her amazing versatility, Kirrane bursts into lovely old songs like 'All of Me' and 'Down to the River,' and entrances the listener. This continues to great effect on the beautiful love song 'If You Love Me.'
Emigration returns as a theme on the excellent 'Working the Streets'. Kirrane closes a diverse and diverting album with the heart-rending Jimmy McCarthy song 'Wonder Child'."
Nicky Rossiter, Rambles.NET (2 March 2013)
"Ann Kirrane with Garry O'Briain & Ronan Greene - A more sublime voice you will seldom hear in both traditional & contemporary song."
The Crane Bar publicity, Galway (19 Dec 2014)
"Ann's music, singing and song interpretation have added a new dimension to our tradition. Her style and passion are truly inspirational for singers, musicians and listeners alike in Ireland and overseas. She proudly presents a living tradition wherever she performs. Go ndeana si amhlaidh go deo."
The Chapel Gates Singers' Club, Cooraclare, Co. Clare
"I was absolutely blown away today when I went to see Ann Kirrane perform an afternoon show at Pedro's Café in Tuam Shopping Centre as part of the Tuam Trad Festival. She had a guitar player, Frank Kilkelly and she accompanied herself and her amazing voice on concertina. For a whole hour I was enthralled by the songs she sung, by her amazing voice and by the ease and confidence with which she performed. She was also joined on bodhran and percussion by Padraig Stevens and the magic they created was something very special to witness. I have not been so enthralled by a gig this much in my life. Ann Kirrane is a National Treasure and it would be great to see her get the national audience at least that she deserves. Go see her the next time she gigs."
Seamus Ruttledge, Singer/Songwriter
"Ann, I've been listening to your CD. I love it when a singer invests themselves into a song and inhabits the song and you sure do that. You're a great singer and I'm glad I got to hear you live."
Luka Bloom
"This album is exceptional vocally and instrumentally. We should not wonder, as Ann has an incredible pedigree in the Droney family of concertina players - grandfather Jim, father Chris and brother Francis.
My links to the Kirrane family go back to the 80s when I first met Noël and Ann. I was struck by Noël's wit, sense of humour, his professionalism in his spectacular musical productions and his and Ann's great love of music and the arts.
Ann has taken her time with her debut album, but like anything good, it's worth waiting for. I am extremely impressed with what I've heard and it is a fitting tribute to Noël's memory.
Good luck, Ann - I hope it's the first of many" CARL HESSION
"I had the good fortune to attend Anne Kirrane's C.D. Launch in the Mall on Saturday night. It was a fabulous Night and a well deserved Sell-out, another wonderful example of this town's ability to produce World Class entertainment. The lady herself is a true phenomenon, with the help of her family and a truly beautiful voice she took us on musical tour comprising wonderful old fashioned Irish Ballads, Negro spirituals, Jazz standards, the family's mastery of that most peripheral of Irish musical instruments, the Concertina, was displayed by Ann and her Dad, her backing musicians were superb and young Paraic Stevens was at his most insightful and inspirational in a short introductory Speech.
Grab a copy of the CD 'One small Star' as soon as you can and see if I Jest."
Pat O Hora (posted to Art space for Tuam)
"I've been to a lot of great concerts in Kilfenora, but Ann Droney Kirrane's on Sat night was in a league of its own. Congratulations Ann! Joe O'Connor