This is a subscriber-only article
Celtic Brothers could hardly have thought of a more novel way to rebrand the group formerly known as The Willoughby Brothers. They are availing of Fossett’s Big Top at Rathwood, Tullow, to make their fresh debut Wednesday 2 October at 8pm. Special guests on the show are Foster and Allen, Declan Nerney and Mary Byrne.
It is an exciting new departure for the brothers who hail from Coolboy in Co Wicklow – a small parish that lies just a few miles from the Carlow border. Des, Richie, Robbie and Johnny will front Celtic Brothers and they are assured of a rousing welcome when they take to the stage in Rathwood in a few days time.
“We had originally intended to call ourselves ‘Celtic Brothers’ at the outset but eventually settled on the family name,” said Richie Willoughby when I spoke to him at the Ploughing last week.
“We think the time is now right to go with our original idea and we are thrilled to be launching as the Celtic Brothers in the unique setting of the Big Top in Rathwood near Tullow next week.”
We feel Celtic Brothers has a special resonance especially when it comes to American audiences
His brother Des is hugely buoyed up by the early response to the latest chapter in the family music story. “The family is so supportive of the new venture and our other brothers Sammy and Jerome will be on board to step in anytime that one of the four of us can’t make a show for whatever reason.
“We feel Celtic Brothers has a special resonance especially when it comes to American audiences. We are blessed that our shows go down very well in America and we had a lovely tour over there a few months ago.
“Another tour has been arranged for next March with dates in New York, Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Palm Beach, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale. We are looking forward so much to going back to America with our new show.”
It is almost a throwback to the days when big shows came to towns and villages all over Ireland
When the lads heard that Fossett’s were coming to Rathwood for a week, negotiations were put in place to hire out the Big Top for one night. “We felt such a venture would have special appeal and would provide a whole new ambience for ourselves and the audience.
“It is almost a throwback to the days when big shows came to towns and villages all over Ireland and they generated a great atmosphere and created a whole new experience for all patrons.
“We are delighted to have Foster and Allen on the show. They are celebrating over 40 years together in the music business and their style and easy-listening sound remains as fresh as ever.
“Declan Nerney has been at the forefront of the Irish country music scene for three decades while Mary Byrne was a finalist in the X-Factor TV series back in 2010 and has also done guest spots with us in recent years. We are thrilled to have all of them as our guests on our launch night,” says Des.
Celtic Brothers has released a new single to coincide with the switch over to the new name. The song, From Now On, was produced and mastered by Martin Quinn at Jam Studios in Kells, Co Meath. “It feels like the right song for us as we embark on our new journey,” adds Des.
Tickets for A Night at The Big Top at Rathwood, Tullow, on 2 October are €25 and are available from the reception at Rathwood (059-915 6285) and online www.celticbrothers.ie and www.rathwood.com
SHARING OPTIONS: