“Stringbound bring a fresh and exciting perspective to the traditional folk scene. Full of charisma, soul and passion, with an intimacy that draws you in, their performance is something truly special to witness” Maimuna Memon - composer, musician and Olivier Award winning actor

StringBound

StringBound is the musical duet of Bríd Ní Mhaidín and Tom Fahy. Deeply connected in their musical expression their gentle sound is refreshing, uplifting and unique. With original songs and lyrics that reflect life’s journey, Tom and Bríd’s stories are entirely relatable. The use of instrumentation and disregard for genre adds an interesting and rich texture to their performances. Bríd’s trad roots and Tom’s folk and pop roots are always to the fore with beautiful elements of Americana, bluegrass and country.

Bríd Ní Mhaidín - short bio

Trained under the legendary Paddy O’Brien of Tipperary. Took her music with her as she travelled all over the world. Has played with multiple bands over the years in England, Australia and America. Taught fiddle to many. A consummate trad and cross-genre fiddle player. Comfortable playing in large sessions or intimate settings. Plays with flair and passion.

Tom Fahy - short bio

Singer & songwriter, guitarist and 5-string banjo player, Tom hails from Loughrea. He has played acoustic-electric roots-rock, bluegrass, country and jazz in various bands. John Spillane has recorded his ballad “The Ghost Of Billy Mulville”. In StringBound he draws on all these influences in creating original songs and tunes.

Loughrea-born musician, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tom began playing guitar in his teens, but it was a visit to New York at seventeen that introduced him to a sound that would have a lasting influence. Seeing the legendary Earl Scruggs perform sparked Tom’s passion for the five-string banjo and opened the door to the world of bluegrass.
Songwriting has been another constant since his college years. Originally trained as an industrial engineer, Tom moved to Canada for work, where his interest in music soon led him to study sound engineering. He went on to become a partner in a recording studio, working as sound engineer and with forays into production.
After returning to Ireland in his early thirties, Tom continued to play with various bands while writing, recording and developing his own songs. Along the way he has played skiffle, rock & roll, country, bluegrass, jazz and Irish trad. But at heart he most loves the singer/songwriter songs with strong lyrics and rich melodies. He has always regarded Planxty as the Beatles of Irish folk music in their ability to polish up songs/tunes into hits.
Tom’s recent musical work includes recording his original song Sunday, while his version of The Ghost of Billy Mulville was released by acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter John Spillane.
Meeting Breda at an Irish session brought together two musicians with a shared desire to explore their musical interests in new ways. StringBound emerged from that connection. Tom’s guitar and five-string banjo provide a versatile musical foundation for the duo, moving comfortably between Irish traditional music, folk, singer/songwriter, bluegrass and Americana.
With original songs and tunes, strong instrumental interplay and beautiful harmonies, SringBound has become a wonderful platform for both players to create and inspire each other.

Born in Lorrha, Co. Tipperary, Breda was raised in a home where music was woven into everyday life. Her father, Paddy, was a gifted accordion player and active Comhaltas member, while her mother Bridget, a proud West Clare woman, came from a family steeped in traditional music. Bridget’s father (Brid’s Grandfather), Tom Keane was a talented concertina player and composer, and his nephew, the renowned West Clare fiddle player John Kelly, was a regular visitor to the family home, where music and learning were shared.
At nine or ten years of age, a fiddle was placed in Breda’s hands, beginning a lifelong relationship with the instrument. She learned from her father and the highly respected North Tipperary box player Paddy O’Brien. As a teenager, Fleadh Cheoil and Comhaltas competitions became an important part of her musical life.
When Breda left Ireland to work as a nurse, she carried her fiddle and her love of music with her. Over more than thirty years living and working in England, America and Australia, music remained a constant. She played with folk bands, taught fiddle in Chicago and continued to make music wherever life took her. For Breda, however, music was always more than a career — it was a connection to family, home and identity.
Returning to Ireland three years ago brought a renewed desire to make music a central part of her life. A meeting with Tom Fahy at an Irish session soon developed into the musical partnership that became StringBound.
Breda’s fiddle playing provides the traditional Irish heart of the duo, while her musical curiosity allows her to explore beyond those roots. Alongside Tom’s guitar and five-string banjo, she embraces Irish traditional music, folk, bluegrass and Americana, creating a sound that combines heritage, harmony and a fresh contemporary spirit.

What the people say!

“Stringbound bring a fresh and exciting perspective to the traditional folk scene. Full of charisma, soul and passion, with an intimacy that draws you in, their performance is something truly special to witness”

Maimuna Memon - composer, musician and Olivier Award winning actor

“A visiting musician to Ireland in 2025 and an Aussie accordion player with box in hand, I was lucky enough to meet the very gracious Brid and Tom. Captivated by their swing style and musicianship. I knew I had tapped into local musicians who had depth of knowledge and tunes, galore. Now, lifelong friends”

Dominic Lindsey, The Wiggles – trumpet player/songwriter/arranger

“These guys are the real deal, fabulous original songs, beautiful harmonies, the audience loves them every time”

Mick Brown, folk musician & songwriter

“Playing their own compositions which were personal & special; with great unity & harmony”

Seamus Gallagher, producer & presenter, ‘Seamus on the Wireless’ Kinvara Community Radio

“I worked with Stringbound for a community market event where they performed for our opening day, and it was fabulous. Their professionalism and skill really helped set a lively tone for the day. Their song selection was perfect and delivery was exceptional - I would love to work with them again.”

Vicki Clough, Galway Co Co