Derek Ryan

Derek Ryan is an Irish singer from County Carlow. He works in country, Irish folk and pop, and is known for both his Irish country material and his earlier work as a pop singer.

Early life and musical background

He grows up in Garyhill near Carlow town and is introduced to Irish traditional music through his family. From the age of twelve, he performs regularly at social events with his brother Adrian under the name the Ryan Brothers.

He also takes part in fleadh ceoils and wins two all-Ireland titles, one for bodhrán and one for ceili drumming.

D-Side and later work

Before his solo career, he is part of the Irish boy band D-Side from 2001 to 2006. This period establishes him as a pop singer before he becomes better known for country and Irish material.