It all began in the Roseland Ballroom in Moate all those years ago, and next Tuesday night Dan and Mary Sheerin will release their debut album of country duets at a gala show in The Well, just outside the same town. Eleven children later and many miles in between, this just has to be the most romantic country music story of the year.

Dan and Mary came from musical families, growing up in the 1950s and 1960s in households filled with traditional music.

But country music was coming back across the Atlantic and the velvet tones of Jim Reeves, Johnny Horton and Patsy Cline were bringing a fresh sound to these shores.

Mary and Dan, like thousands more, fell in love with country music and then with each other, after meeting at a dance in the famous Roseland, just out the Athlone road. It was not long before they were singing duets to each other and country music became a way of life.

Dan’s brother Kevin was a central member of the famous Hillbillies band, fronted by local Moate man Ray Lynam. The quiet-spoken Kevin still commands huge regard as a lead and steel guitar player and songwriter. The talents of the Sheerin family were never in doubt and it was no surprise at all when so many of them took on the country music way of life.

After Mary and Dan got married they formed a band, playing in the local pubs and clubs. As soon as their children were old enough to hold an instrument they were brought along to perform.

Today, eight of their 11 children are professional musicians, playing in some of Ireland’s top bands.

Despite the urgings of so many people, Dan and Mary, who often join the Sheerin Family Band for their monthly gigs in Cooney’s Hotel in Ballymahon, never recorded an album. But everything comes in its own good time and, with the help of their family, they finally relented and the result is Through The Years, a wonderful collection of eleven duets produced by Des Sheerin and featuring the musical talents of various members of the family.

This is country as we knew it over the years. Traditionalists will absolutely love Mary and Dan’s renditions of such classics as Silver Sandals, Before I Met You, I Heard The Bluebird Sing and Somewhere Between Your Heart and Mine. Their daughter Carmel features on two songs, Always By My Side (composed by Danny Sheerin) and If I Could Only Win Your Love while their granddaughter Sarah makes her debut on A Letter To Heaven.

“This album has been a very long time coming. It is our first and only album. We hope you enjoy our selection of duets,” says Mary and Dan.

Joining them for the gala night in The Well in Moate on Tuesday, 24 February, will be a host of guests, including Nathan Carter (their son Tom is fiddle player in Nathan’s band), John Hogan, Johnny Brady, Lisa McHugh, Matt Leavy, Joe Rabbette from Clara and other special guests. All the acts will be backed by The Sheerin Family band. The real stars of the night, without a shadow of a doubt, will be Mary and Dan themselves. This is a special chance for the people of the Midlands and further afield to show their appreciation for this special couple and remarkable family.

Show time is 8pm and admission is just €10.