Brady and Prophets up for a Hooley
This weekend sees the 10th instalment of the beloved Hooley at the Bridge with a host of great musical acts and a spot of raucous comedy for good measure.
Music acts don’t come any bigger in the Irish country circuit than Johnny Brady and Cavan’s own High Stool Prophets. That’s only scratching the surface of the hugely impressive line-up The Bridge Tavern has in store at Canningstown this weekend.
The fun kicks off on Thursday evening with Mary’s Hopes and Dreams by the hilarious HubCap Theatre.
Hooley organiser Adrian Rogers is a fan of the Cork based duo having booked them last year to perform the Parish.
“They did a great show last year, it was actually hilarious - people will be coming to this show who wouldn’t go to watch a dark play.
“This one is a follow on from The Parish which they performed last year.”
The Celt notes that it’s both unusual and clever to bring drama into an otherwise musical festival.
“When I had the marquee up, I had the idea that on a Wednesday or Thursday it would be a good night for drama. And then go with the music on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”
The Highstool Prophets headline the first night of music - Friday, July 4, with support coming from Kingscourts rising talent Niall O’Reilly.
Adrian recalls hosting them back in their early days when they were only starting out as a four-piece. The Prophets have been familiar faces at The Bridge’s Hooley down through the years.
“It’s good to have them back,” says Adrian with warmth.
Johnny Brady is the headline act on the Saturday night and he needs no introduction. The Randalstown star is at the very top of the Irish country scene.
His career spans two decades, during which he's cultivated a reputation for electrifying live shows and heartfelt songwriting.
He’s recorded four albums, each blending classic country covers with his own originals, a blend that highlights his ability to honour the genre’s roots while making it personally his. His album Dance with Me even topped the Irish iTunes charts, overtaking big names like Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, and Dolly Parton.
As a charismatic frontman with his tight-knit band, Johnny brings rock and pop energy to country stages. He will have the full band with him and will surely have the Canningstown hopping.
Charlie Brunton will provide support on the Saturday, taking to the mic at 8pm with Brady expected around 10.30pm.
“He’s one of the best country singers going,” admires Adrian of Johnny Brady.
On Sunday night the is a rebel flavour to the music with Katelin Tierney and Gary Óg playing the tunes, before duo Blessed bring the festival to a close on a high with their rock infused tunes.
“They are just mad,” “that’s the only way I can describe them,” They’ll get the crowd really going, they’re very good. They could just play anything,”
Adrian enthuses that there’s always a
“It’ll be great. You’ll look forward to it all week.”
Expecting a great crowd they will have two bars outside serving the marque, complimented by the indoor bar and lounge. There will be delicious food on site and the usual restaurant.
“Expect a great night’s entertainment,” concludes Adrian.
Tickets cost €15 on Thursday for the play, and €20 nightly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available each night on the door.