Mullahoran the destination for country fans
This weekend sees the return of the Mullahoran Country Music Festival promising another weekend of great music from the top names in the business.
Running from Friday July 11 through to Sunday July 13 the event sees six big acts take to the John P Wilson Memorial Complex at Mullahoran GAA Grounds. With the forecast predicting the weather to be more than kind this weekend, the club are expecting another festival sell out for their fundraising gigs on each of the three nights.
Cliona Hagan is set to get the festival underway with a bang. A darling of Irish country circuit, it’s hard to believe a decade has passed since the Tyrone singer released her debut album ‘Straight To You’ which propelled her to national attention, and opened the doors to appearing on Dancing with the Stars a few years later. The awards she has amassed in the mean time only serve to confirm what we already know: Cliona’s one of Ireland’s best-loved entertainers.
Headlining the Friday night is Derek Ryan, one of the best respected songwriters and performers in Irish country - a reputation steadily built after his breakthrough country hit God’s Plan in 2010. The Carlow native has amassed over 30million Youtube views for his wonderfully crafted tunes. Expect to hear hits like ‘Wherever You’re Going’, ‘The Night That Went On For Days’ and ‘Thank God for the Farmers’ when Derek returns to the Mullahoran stage.
On Saturday night it’s the turn of One For The Road and Mike Denver to wow the revellers at the home of the Dreadnoughts.
One for the Road are part of the new wave of young rising bands delighting crowds with a fresh modern take on folk/trad. In hot demand across the country, they are winning new fans wherever they go. This Saturday will see them make their Mulahoran bow, likely to be the first of many appearances.
With the crowd buoyed up by ‘One for the Road’, it’ll then be the turn of Mike Denver to make it a night to remember. And he surely will.
Affectionately known as ‘The Galway Boy’ Denver has established himself as a major force in Irish country music known in a sparkling career spanning over 20 years. His energetic live performances feature hits like ‘Tommy K’, ‘Wasn’t That a Party’, ‘Galway Girl’ and ‘Blown Away’ and ‘The Real Deal’ which he memorably recorded with country legend George Jones.
The top quality bill continues into Sunday with Rhythm & Sticks and Johnny Brady.
Rhythm & Sticks are the local band with a national profile and are sought after by venues across Ireland due to their high energy performances. Band stalwart Emmet Flood is joined by sons Cal (drums) and Tiernan (bass and vocals) - who incidentally also play for Mullahoran - alongside Shane Walsh from Laragh on banjo and Dwight Kelly on electric and steel guitar. Young Tiernan takes lead vocals in their new release, Where I Belong which announced him as a songwriter of great potential.
Fresh from thrilling The Breffni Bash crowds last week, Johnny Brady has the honour of bringing the Mullahoran Country Music Festival to a close on Sunday night. The crowds will be hoping for some of his best loved hits, such as ‘The Gambler’, ‘Hillbilly Rock, Hillbilly Roll’, and his version of ‘Dance With Me Tonight’. A talented songwriter he also regularly has his original songs like, ‘Living All My Dreams’ and ‘You Can’t Hide Beautiful’ in his set. Magnetic on stage, Johnny’s vocal versatility make him a favourite at festivals and dance halls alike. He has a reputation for connecting deeply with his audience through both heartfelt ballads and high-energy country anthems.