Blue hills are smiling

The young singer won many new admirers recently, after delivering a class performance on Opry Dhoire (Derry) on TG4 last week.

Shane, who will celebrate his 21st birthday in February, captured the hearts of viewers with an honest to goodness and down-home natural performance, which exuded a sense of gratitude and old world manners.

The Latest Sensations was the title of the show that featured Shane, along with Jordan Mogey, Ben Troy, Gráinne Gavigan and Richie Remo, and it was recorded in the Millennium Forum in Derry.

“I was so honoured to be chosen for the show and it truly was a privilege for me to be on that stage alongside Daniel O’Donnell and all the others. The producers and team behind the Opry Dhoire show were so gracious and could not do enough for us.

“It was a great experience for me and I am amazed at the response from all over the country. It gave me great exposure in a natural setting,” says Shane.

Shane was born and raised in Reading outside London. His parents, Mervyn and Mary, are both from Co Cavan. The family has strong connections with Cavan town, Ballinagh and Mullahoran.

“Country music was always part of my childhood. My parents were steeped in the country tradition and I grew up listening to Big Tom, Mick Flavin, Ray Lynam, Daniel O’Donnell and Mike Denver. I was, and still am, a fan of this kind of music.

“I came over to Ireland in 2015 and Cavan has been my home since then. Walking on the Waves was the song that introduced me to a lot of people. It is also the title of my debut album, which came out in September. I am very happy with it and already looking forward to recording some new songs in early 2018,” states Shane.

Apart from Opry Dhoire, another highlight of the year drawing to a close was a trip with his band to a country festival in the north of Spain.

“That was a brilliant experience. Derek Ryan and Lisa McHugh also performed at the festival, so there was a nice Irish flavour to the gathering as well.”

Shane, who is now being managed by Noel O’Keeffe, treasures good advice from those who have been on the circuit and around the course.

“I was down in Wexford town recently doing a spot at Paddy O’Brien’s weekend and he was so gracious to me. He is one of the nicest people I have met in this business and he took time out to give me great advice.”

Watch out for Shane Owens and his band in the weeks and months ahead. They are playing the big new year’s eve night dance at Hotel Kilmore in Cavan town.