Fionnuala Deacy is one of the very best session singers operating in the folk/traditional genre. My songwriting partner Tommy Moran and I have used her for several demos, including for They Can’t Stop the Spring, subsequently performed by Dervish in the Eurovision Song Contest in Helsinki. Fionnuala’s voice on those recordings is fantastic and far better than the polished recording created by RTÉ for the contest, It’s rawer but the energy and drive of the track is, I believe, more suited to the song. Apart from the beauty of her tone, Fionnuala has a quality in her voice that is very rare: an Irish “thing” that is natural and unforced, that doesn’t seem to imitate anyone else. She enters into a song, not as a technical exercise, but by an emotional route that is hers alone.
John Waters, Writer & Journalist
Fionnuala Joyce is blessed with an unerring, clear voice of timeless quality. Her performance skill is ice-cool; calm, confident and sure in any situation I’ve heard her perform. Whenever she sings, she delivers with passion and precision of a rare excellence.
Leo Moran, The Sawdoctors
When I first heard Fionnuala Deacy sing, at our local music venue, Campbell’s Tavern, her voice immediately caught my attention. She sang beautifully and unpretentiously, a singer who gets great pleasure from sharing with others the wonderful gift she’s been given. With further listening, I realized that genre or style is not an obstacle for this girl, but an opportunity for her to explore her great vocal talent.
Fionnuala and her equally gifted sister, Sandra Joyce were backing vocalists on my live recording of The Irish Scattering. We did a duet, Fare Thee well Love, for which she received great critical acclaim at home and abroad. We toured with this show, playing major venues in Ireland, including The National Concert Hall.
Fionnuala has a presence and a personality that brightens up any stage or occasion. It’s an honour to know her and it’s always a great pleasure to hear her sing.
Seán Keane, Singer
I first met Fionnuala at the rehearsals for the launch of Don Stiffe’s album, Start of a Dream. I was instantly taken by her warm personality and great sense of humour. Then we got down to rehearsing. The beautiful tone of her voice knocked me out – such a pure sound. I’ve since had the pleasure of accompanying her and hearing her sing many times. It’s always a joy.
Frankie Colohan, The Conquerors
Fionnuala is a multi-instrumentalist, and she plays guitar, piano and tin whistle but it’s as her erstwhile singing teacher that I’ve a special interest in her amazing vocal abilities. Her unique talent is the rounded quality of her voice. Suited to all styles, from the classical Art Song, through jazz vocalisation to the traditional folk ballad, Fionnuala’s voice has a subtlety that lends fullness to the most fragile and gentle sound and yet strength and brilliance to her more physical efforts. She’s in possession of an un-erring capacity to judge the song perfectly and to always sing in tune. Her performance is never over or under-done. I’m confident that Fionnuala will approach any future vocal engagements with the same musicality and commitment which has characterised all her work to date.
Mairéad Berrill,
Head of Music, PCH, Headford, Co. Galway
Her voice can shift from a sweet tone to husky blues with ease and within a phenomenal range and array of styles.From the biggest concert stages to the intimacy of a church setting, her wealth of experience guides the audience into the essence of the song so the emotion shines through. Fionnuala Deacy is a truly sensitive artist and a consummate professional – an amazing vocal talent!!
Willi Campbell
Campbells Tavern, Cloughanover, Co. Galway
I’ve worked with Fionnuala on a number of original recording projects and I was absolutely delighted with the results. Her voice is magnificent and she really made the recordings come alive. She’s a pleasure to work with and is professional and conscientious. I thoroughly recommend her as a very talented singer and performer.
Tommy Moran. Composer / Songwriter
Where can we start to thank you Fionnuala for what you did for the Visiting House Benefit Night here in Tuam. It was an extraordinary evening and your talent and good will is second to none. So from the bottom of all our hearts, thank you. Many are now wondering will it be an annual event. Your musical generosity and kindness is truly appreciated.
Derek & the Tuam Voluntary Force
on behalf of The Visiting House Charity
I had the pleasure of working with Fionnuala in our studio to record harmony vocals for Don Stiffe’s debut album Start Of A Dream. She’s a delight to work with and her cheerful and professional demeanour inspires confidence in her colleagues.
As a performer, Fionnuala always comes meticulously prepared and consistently delivers accurate and beautiful vocal parts. A class act!
Eugene Kileen, M.A., Studio Engineer,
Clo-Iar Chonnachta.
Fionnuala Deacy has appeared on my solo album Start of a Dream. She’s also performed with me at some of my live shows. I’ve enjoyed working with Fionnuala. She’s a true professional and I wish her continued success for the future.
Don Stiffe. Singer / Songwriter
I’ve known Fionnuala Deacy since 2000. She was backing vocalist on my first album, New Boots New Shoes and she also arranged some of those songs. Fionnuala has performed with me for memorable gigs including one at Galway’s Townhall Theatre in which a Hot Press reviewer described her as an “angelic backing singer”. Fionnuala has extraordinary vocal ability and can interpret and arrange classic songs across all musical genres. I’d dearly love to work with her again
Seamus Ruttledge. Singer\Songwriter