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Annmarie O’Riordan has one of those unmistakeable voices that immediately anchors her heart to Co Cork. For over a decade now, Annemarie has been singing the songs of the homeland with a deep respect for the tradition of ballads and folk music.
The Story I Tell You Is True was the song that brought the young singer with the strong Cork accent to the fore. It enjoyed phenomenal popularity on the regional radio stations and has long since become her calling card.
It has taken her to so many parts of the island of Ireland as well as to England, America and Canada. One of her most memorable shows was a concert in the Azores in 2011. She was invited to perform in Sao Miguel out on the chain of islands that comprise The Azores, around 900 miles off Portugal and close on 2,300 miles off the American coast.
“I still cherish that concert in that wonderful theatre as one of the highlights of my career,” says Annmarie. “There were over 2,000 people at the show and probably hardly anyone from Ireland. The place is popular with Americans and there were a lot of them at the show.
“They love the old songs from Ireland and the reception was just phenomenal. I can never forget the response when I sang The Chapel Gates of Cooraclare. It just touched base with all of them in such a special way. The good Irish songs and music travel warmly in many parts of the world.
“Another special highlight was performing Ámhrán na bhFiann in Croke Park for the All-Ireland football semi-final between Mayo and Tyrone in August 2013. You can never forget an experience like that. It was a magical occasion for me in that fine stadium.”
Her five albums to date, Harmony Handed Down, Melody in Harmony, Ireland - Love of my Heart, Song for the Journey and The Joys of My Heart have proven highly popular and continue to receive consistent airplay on radio at home and overseas.
She is currently in the process of recording her sixth album and this will include some songs penned by Annmarie herself and some Irish songwriters as well as many old Irish favourites. A country folk song composed by Dolly Parton also looks set to be included in the collection. She hopes the album will be ready for release in a few months time.
Meanwhile, the primary school teacher in Kanturk will be among the performers at the 25th annual Seán McCarthy Festival concert on Friday, 2 August, in Finuge, Co Kerry.
“I have a huge affection for the songs of Seán McCarthy and have recorded several of them on my albums. It is a lovely honour and privilege to be part of the big concert in Finuge in August.
“I am hoping to hold my album launch in Killarney in September or October and to do a few shows around the country as part of the promotion in the weeks after that,” says Annmarie.
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