Niall Toner facts for kids

Niall Edward Toner, born in 1944, is a talented Irish musician, songwriter, and radio host from Dublin. He is well-known across Ireland for his radio shows like Country Heartland and Roots Freeway. He plays the Mandolin, guitar, and sings. His music style is mainly bluegrass and country.

Niall Toner's Musical Journey

Niall Toner started his first acoustic band in the early 1960s. It was called The Lee Valley String Band and was formed in Cork. Later, in 1975, he created the Sackville String Band in Dublin. This band became very popular. They played at concerts and festivals all over Ireland.

The Sackville String Band

The Sackville String Band played "American traditional music, old-time songs, and bluegrass." They were inspired by other bands like the Fuzzy Mountain and Hollow Rock String Bands. In the late 1970s, the band often included:

• Imor Byrne on fiddle
• Colin Beggan on guitar
• John Caulfield on fiddle
• Niall Toner on mandolin
• Richard Hawkins on banjo

Many famous American bluegrass musicians would even join them on stage. These included legends like Peter Rowan, Tex Logan, and Kenny Baker.

Forming New Bands

In the early 1980s, Niall Toner formed another band called Hank Halfhead & the Rambling Turkeys. Then, in 2001, he started his current group, the Niall Toner Band. In this band, Dick Gladney plays bass and Clem O'Brian plays guitars. They have recorded three albums so far. Other musicians like Bill Whelan and Richard Hawkins have also helped them.

Songs and Radio Shows

Niall Toner is also a successful songwriter. Many artists have recorded his songs. These include Bill Wyman, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, and Albert Lee. One of his songs, "Nuns Island Reel," was even featured in the popular video game Grand Theft Auto IV.

Today, Toner hosts a radio show called Roots Freeway on RTÉ radio. He has also written music articles for magazines like Hot Press and Maverick. He is also the author of a book called Nuts and Bolts, which helps people learn how to write better songs.

Discography

Here are some albums by the Niall Toner Band:

• There's A Better Way (2009)
• Mood Swing
• NTB3