With Saint Patrick’s Day next Thursday, it is time to gear up for the party with some of Ireland’s best country artists.
1. “The Irish Rover” by Nathan CarterÂ
Carter was first introduced to musical instruments at four years old when he picked up an accordion for a school concert, and later at age ten when he won the “All Ireland Title for Traditional Singing.” Although Nathan Carter was born in Liverpool, England, he considers himself an Ireland local after moving to County Donegal, Ireland when he was 18. In recent news, tickets for Carter’s tour across the UK, “Staying Up All Night” are now available on his website.
Nathan CarterÂ
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2. “The Boxer” by Gerry Guthrie
This artist also started young by getting his first guitar at age eight. With the help of lessons from Joe Sweeney, Guthrie was accepted into a band by age 15, and made a name for himself in the local pub and cabaret circuit. Since then, he has continued to make a name for himself and has won a string of awards including, Best New Male Vocalist at the Tipp FM Music Awards.
Gerry Guthrie
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3. “The Rocky Road To Dublin” by The High Kings
This Dublin group was formed back in 2008 with the encouragement from the manager of another Irish group called the Celtic Woman. That manager was Dave Kavanagh saw the boys (Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden) as corporate brothers to the Celtic Woman. If that doesn’t set the bar high, Furey is also the son of the famous Irish singer Finbarr Clancy. This group focuses their sound on bringing the spirit of classic Irish music into the forefront of popular music.
The High Kings
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4. “There’s No One As Irish As Barack O’Bama” by Hardy Drew and the Nancy Boys
This group changed their name to The Corrigan Brothers. Arguably, the best part of this song is the works it has inspired since it was released in 2008. Three years later the group released a song titled, “Welcome Home President Barack O’Bama” to celebrate the Obama’s visit to Ireland the following May. The song was a frequent hit on the radio and highlighted the president’s visit this ancestral home in Moneygall.
The Corrigan Brothers
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5. “Come On Dance” by John Mc NichollÂ
Nicholl is a from a small town in Northern Ireland and is one of 15 children by his parents Colm and Mary. The artist said music was a natural part of his family, and there was always an instrument within reach for their random family sing-alongs. His humble upbringing is clearly portrayed through the tone of his music.
John Mc NichollÂ
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