Fran Garry Marnane

Fran is from Navan, Co. Meath. She graduated from U.L. with a B.A. degree in History and English Literature but returned to her first love, music, for her post-graduate studies, obtaining an M.A. in Community Music from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick. Community Music is designed to build confidence and self-esteem through music, giving people the opportunity to create new songs and musical pieces, even if they've never done it before. Fran has been working as a full-time professional singer for many years and is also the bass player in 'Chain Reaction'. In addition to gigging all over Ireland with the band, Fran has performed with Pat in the U.S. and on the annual Cruise of the Irish Stars in the Caribbean, on several occasions. She would gladly sail around in the sunshine forever!

Fran also has vast experience of church music, having been a member of folk choirs in her native Navan and in Clonmel. She also founded a youth folk group in Tipperary, which she directed for many years.

Fran is happiest when she is singing, whether it's in a church or on stage and loves learning new songs from prominent artists like Duffy, the Corrs, Shania Twain and Leona Lewis. She also has a passion for creating new music and is currently recording her first album of original songs. Fran won second prize in the 2009 Clonmel National Song Contest with her song "I Am Music". She facilitates creative music workshops in various community settings, working with children, teenagers, adults and special needs groups.