Football Tours Ireland

Celtic Thunder

Irish Singers Take the World by Storm

First Show: Helix Theater, Dublin, Ireland in August, 2007First DVD: Celtic Thunder: The Show aired 1200 times during 2008 on US PBS Television stationsFirst DVD: Ranked Number 1 PBS Television presentation in the entire US during all of 2008.First CD: Celtic Thunder ranked #1 on Billboard Top World Albums Chart March thru Sept. 2008Second CD: Celtic Thunder: Act II #1 on Billboard Top World Albums Chart Oct. thru Dec., 2008First US Tour: Oct thru Dec, 2008: rave reviews, standing ovations, sellout crowds in 50 cities.Billboard Magazine Names Celtic Thunder: The Show as the 2008 Top World Music AlbumSt. Patrick's Day, 2009: Celtic Thunder invited to sing for President Barrack Obama at the White House.2009 North American Tour proclaimed success with sold out venues and standing room only crowds.Celtic Thunder claims 3 of the 6 top spots on the 2009 Billboard World 200 chart.2010 North American Tour was a near sell-out success.Celtic Thunder Christmas soars to No. 1 on the Billboard Chart immediately upon release.Celtic Thunder: The Show (DVD) goes Gold in Australia.North America 2011 Tour Ticket Sales Break RecordsNorth American 2011 Tour Ranked in Top 20 concerts in average box office revenueBillboard Magazine proclaims Celtic Thunder Top World Artist of 2011Celtic Thunder 2012 Australian Tour Has Record Breaking Ticket Sales

Celtic Thunder: World Sensation

Celtic Thunder is a Celtic music sensation, composed of 5 featured Celtic male soloists whose "sounds form a symphony" and who join together in duets, trios, quartets, and quintets to ply their harmonies to captivated audiences. Their debut live performance, billed as"Celtic Thunder: The Show"took place in August of 2007 at the Helix Theater located on the Dublin City University campus in Dublin, Ireland.

A DVD and CD of that performance was released worldwide in February, 2008, and

Celtic Thunder: The Show

immediately soared to the top of the Billboard Top WorldAlbums chart. It was listed in the number one slot for six months -- until the group's second CD, Celtic Thunder Act II was released in September, 2008. That CD took the number one chart position away, relegating the first CD to number two. This is only the fourth time in the history of the Billboard Top World Albums chart that the same group occupied the top two chart positions. In January, 2009, Billboard Magazine bestowed upon Celtic Thunder: The Show, the Top World Music Album of the Year award. And at the end of 2009, Celtic Thunder was recognized by Billboard Magazine for taking 3 of the top 6 spots on their Billboard World 200 chart. Similar chart success met the release of their DVDs and CDs in 2010 and 2011.

According to Sharon Browne, the originator and producer, "Celtic Thunder: The Show is a celebration of the Celtic heritage and men -- their loves, attitudes, individuality, power and strength, throughout life's journey." Browne

has worked in the music industry for over 20 years, including K-Tel and Celtic Collections, Ireland's premier music label, and had been instrumental in the formation of another Celtic group, all-female "Celtic Woman", and conceived and formed "Celtic Thunder" in association with Music Director Phil Coulter, the famous Irish composer and arranger whose resume' includes working with music legends, Bono, Elvis Presley, Bobby Vinton, Waylon Jennings, Van Morrison, Sinead O'Connor, Quincy Jones, Richard Harris, and Henry Mancini. His recording and performance credits include 23 platinum discs, 36 gold discs, 52 silver discs, 3 ASCAP awards, nomination for a Grammy, and numerous other awards and recognitions. He has been described as having "boundless enthusiasm...a command of orchestral textures and an unerring ear for a great song."[1]
Together with Browne, Coulter says they "unearthed six exceptional lads who ticked all the boxes" from all over Ireland and Scotland. Joining with each of the singers, Browne and Coulter crafted an eclectic mix of music for the group's

premierconcert, featuring arrangements by Coulter written specifically for Celtic Thunder, the Celtic Concert Orchestra, a full band with backup singers, costuming tailored to each performer's personality, choreographed"scenarios" for each musical act, colorful dramatic lighting to enhance the "mood" of each song, visual effects reinforcing the impact of the music, and they supervised construction of a stage set that resembled an ancient stone pathway and steps reflective of those abounding in Celtic lore. In the Helix Theater production, the cast included approximately 100 professional singers and musicians, dancers, and contributors to the authentic Celtic aura intended by the creators. The performance combines the best attributes of a concert, a Broadway musical, an Italian opera, and a Shakespearian play, with synergy, electricity, dazzle, smoke, lightning, and an explosion of sounds -- and the impact simply takes your breath away, clouds your eyes with tears of joy andexhilaration, and, if you are of Irish heritage, pride.

Membership

The soloists include Damian McGinty, age 18, and Keith Harkin, 24, both from County Derry, Northern Ireland, Neil Byrne, Paul Byrom, 31, of County Dublin, Ireland, Ryan Kelly, 32, of County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and George Donaldson, 43, from Glasgow, Scotland.

Damian, Age 14

Damian, Age 17

Damian McGinty, born in 1992, is the youngest member of the group. He lives in andattends school and participates in a drama society in County Derry, where he won a singing competition at age six, and another in 2006. He is a member of the folk group at his church, and recorded CDs including one of gospel music and another for a local non-profit organization, Foyle Hospice.He has also performed at fund-raising concerts for the Red Cross and at the Millennium Forum for the Derry City.Football Team. According to Sharon Browne, "Damian's excitement and enthusiasm for Celtic Thunder is infectious, and there is no way he would not be part of this stellar group of young men."[1]Damian has a HUGH following of teen fans around the globe as evidenced by the outstretched arms when he tosses a tee shirt their way, or falls to his knees while grabbing his heart, and expressing his love. Screams of excited teenyboppers are reminiscent of the early days of the Beatles. Blame Damian if YOUR daughter or granddaughter drops out of school and becomes a groupie. Damian was recently selected from 40, 000 contestants to compete in the Glee Project, and was selected by the producer to co-star in the Glee television show which is very popular in the USA.

Keith Harkin, born in 1987, has been singing since he was four years old, and is anaccomplished songwriter, guitarist, and actor. In addition to his original compositions for the "Celtic Thunder" show, Harkin's credits include winning the Derry Feis on numerous occasions, playing at the Tavistock Festival in the UK in 2005, playing the lead in the 2006 BBC production of "Dha Theanga", and in 2007 appeared in concerts as the opening act for performers John Martyn, The Undertones and David Kitt, and has been working on his own album, and is regularly interviewed on Radio Foyle in Derry, Northern Ireland.[1]Keith's voice, musical virtuosity, original compositions and "surfer dude" charisma add a wonderful dimension to the show. Keith has ignited many wars among young women fighting for his attentions as they follow his career. When you attend a live performance, ask some of the young ladies around you where they are from and which performer they came to see. Invariably, they will have traveled over a thousand miles to see (yet again), Keith. Maybe this time he will wave to them, or smile at them, or stoop down and reach out his hand toward them. He kindles their hope with a glance, a smile, a twinkle in his eyes, as he uses his unique timing and phrasing of the lyrics to win more hearts of even newer fans.

Paul Byrom

Paul Byrom, born in 1979, has been singing professionally for over 15 years, beginning

vocal studies and training at age seven under Dr. Veronica Dunne, Ireland's renown vocal teacher, and "leading lady" of opera. Starting his professional singing career as a sopranoat age 14, when he recorded his first album, and now as a tenor, he has performed all over the world. His first solo album, "Velvet", released in 2005, is a collection of songs from the American Matinee era, and sales of the album ranked him a solid #2 in the music charts, and made him a household name in Ireland. His last three concerts at the National Concert Hall in Dublin were sold out. He has also sung at major sporting events in Ireland and abroad, including singing at the All Ireland Finals in Dublin's Croke Park, and at Heinz Field for a Pittsburg Steelers game in the USA. He has also performed for Ireland's President, Mary McAleese, and for Emperor Akihito of Japan, and in 2008 recorded a solo Christmas album.[1]Paul's "velvet voiced" "crooner" singing style rivals Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Andy Williams in quality. His faithfulness, love for, and loyalty to his "woman" is evident when his face expresses his forlorn hopelessness as he loses his lady to a competing suitor yet again. Paul is a masterful actor and singer, and plays to and for the audience, delivering exactly what they expect and deserve. Paul has decided to resume his career as a soloist, and made an announcement to this effect in 2011.

Ryan Kelly, born in 1978, started his singing career at age 7, singing in choirs, and enjoys singing both traditional and folk music. Also an actor, he has played the part of Judas Iscariot in a production of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" as well as a lead in a production of"Blood Brothers". He also performed live before an audience of 8000 in the "Children in Need" charity concert televised live on BBC from the Odyssey in Balfast, and, in 2003, placed second in a "Country Cool" competition on BBC Television. In March, 2007, he was selected as County Tyrone's Singing Champion at the SCOR competition. At Belfast's Queen's University, Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and a Graduate Diploma in Advanced Accounting, and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. Ryan makes a habit of stealing the hearts and attention of women with his "bad boy" demeanorand reputation as he stalks across the stage circling his prey, ready to snare her heart in his cold trap, watching aloofly as she loves his attention, cherishing every minute during his purposeful pursuit. There is no doubt that Ryan takes devilish delight in playing his role of ravishing the hearts of young ladies. Ryan has decided to pursue other ventures and made an announcement to this effect in 2011.

George Donaldson was born in 1967, and is a well-known balladeer, guitarist, and flutist inGlasgow, Scotland. He also plays the banjo, mandolin, and bodhran, and is learning to play violin in an effort to help his daughter learn that instrument, and is attempting to master the German language. He has performed on BBC Television in Scotland, at the famous Barrowlands, at JintyMcGintys, the Celtic Connections, and at the West End Festival in Glasgow. He has played at folk music venues in Europe and North America, and has played alongside Jim McCann and the Dubliners. At Scotland's Celtic Park, Donaldson played to 65, 000 fans at the opening match of the 2000/01 season. George's ballads bring tears to the eyes of grown men through his vocalizations which at once evoke emotions of sincerity, love, honesty, conviction, and courage. Even though he has sung some of his solos hundreds of times, you can often glimpse a tear in his own eyes as he emotes the gut-wrenching meanings of the lyrics from the depths of his soul, using his resonant voice as a tool to carve out the message. Songs about death, divorce, and the hard work necessary to grow a marriage are not delivered by any other performer with as much impact. When George kneels down or sits on a chair and lowers his tone to a barely audible whisper, you better get your handkerchief ready.

Neil Byrnehas been with Celtic Thunder from the beginning, as a guitarist, percussionist, and backup vocalist, and during 2010 he transitioned into the role of featured vocalist. Beginning at age 5, Neil has been musically talented, andstarted a band in his pre-teens, and eventually winning an All-Ireland Music and Arts competition. He has performed in Dublin to an audience of 100, 000 people, has had his songs played on Irish radio and television, and was selected by Music Director Phil Coulter as one of the initial musicians featured in the debut and subsequent DVDs and CDs, as well as in the touring show. I challenge anyone to listen to Neil's solo rendition ofNoreen, or his harmonies with Keith and Ryan on Hallelujah, and not develop goose bumps. Neil's vocal talents are simply amazing.

Emmet Cahill is Celtic Thunder's newest featured vocalist, auditioning in mid-2010 after receipt of the 2010 John McCormack Bursary in recognition of being the Most Promising Young Tener in Ireland. He also was recognized by the Royal Irish Academy of Music as the most promising young singer of 2010, and was a repeat winner of the National Feis Ceoil singing competition in Ireland. Like the other Celtic Thunder vocalists, Emmet began his musical career at an early age, and his formal education culminated in a degree in Music Performance from the prestigious Royal Irish Academy of Music. He has performed before crowds of as many as 90, 000 at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, and has performed before Ireland's President, Mary McAleese.

Production Credits

"Celtic Thunder: The Show"was created and produced by Sharon Browne, and features 29 musical selections conducted by Music DirectorPhil Coulter, and show Director Julia Knowles. Musical Arrangements were composed by Phil Coulter, Dave Gold, and Michael Kenney. Most of the music was backed by the Celtic Concert Orchestra, conducted by Niccola Sweeney, and featuring the beautiful and talented cellist, Megan Sherwood.

Zara Curtis and Paul Byrum

Zara Curtis, a professional dancer who previously performed around the world with the Riverdance tour, makes many beautifully executed artistic contributions to the Celtic Thunder show. The "Celtic Thunder" band also accompanied the group on most songs, and included Brendan Monaghan playing whistles, pipes, guitar, and bodhran, Dave Cooke playing keyboards, Neil Byrne singing backup vocals and playing guitar, Nigel Wheatley, backup vocals and playing bass guitar, andRory McCarronandAudrey Bridgeman thrilling the audience with their tremendous percussiontalentson Page Drums specifically designed and manufactured for the show, plus an authentic Celtic Bagpipe/Drum Unit composed of Andrew Carlisle, Shane Culleton, Chris McNicholl, David Stone, and Mark Wilson. "Monks" Alex Browne, Killian Buckley, Greg Howie, Andy Lawler, and Ian McKinley also provided authentic atmosphere to the musical scenes.

Ryan Kelly and Megan Sherwood

Belinda Murphy supervised Choreography, Peter Barnes designed the set and lighting system, coordinating professional craftsmen from Justlite and Hangman/Metalman, as well as set carpenters, fabricators, and artists. The

costumes of the vocalists were designed by Sinead Cuthbert, suits by Louis Copeland with assistance fromDeputy Costume designer Therese McKeone, Tailor Denis Darcy, Wardrobe Supervisor Veerle Dehaeneassisted by Richard Green. The dresses for female performers were designed by Synan O'Mahony, with Foundation Hair by Tony Mulvany. Makeup artistry was by Zoe Clark, assisted by Helen Moloney. Sound Director Enda Walsh coordinated the efforts of Recording Engineer Michael Keeney, RF Coordinator Michael Kielty, RF Technician Patrick Doherty, Live Sound Technician Kevin McGing, Sound Stage Technician Oran Burns, with Backline engineering by Fred Burke.

Television Appearances

Since March, 2008, Celtic Thunder has been featured throughout the US on thePBS television network more than 7500 times, and the vocalists were interviewed on hundreds of local PBS stations during the performances of their show. In January, 2009, it was announced by PBS that their presentations of Celtic Thunder: The Show nationwide was their number 1 presentation during the entire year 2008, and no doubt subsequent performances have met or approached that record.

Tour Appearances

In December, 2008 Celtic Thunder completed an extraordinarily successful three-month, fifty city tour of the US to rave reviews, standing ovations, and sell-out crowds. The US touring contingent was composed of the five malevocalists, ten musicians including violinists, a cellist, percussionists, and guitarists, a keyboarder, bagpipe player and a flutist, a professional dancer, several "monks", and numerous technicians, stagehands, bus and truck drivers, and other support personnel.

In spring and summer of 2009, and the summer and fall of 2010, Celtic Thunder toured North America to standing room only crowds. The fall 2011 North American Tour ticket sales broke all records, and the 2012 Australia Tour is now underway, with ticket sales exceeding all projections, so it is important to purchase your tickets right away. Check the link to the official Celtic Thunder website for the latest tour dates and venue information.

CD/DVD List

PLEASE PURCHASE MUSIC FROM AUTHORIZED VENDORS ONLY. Check the Celtic Thunder Website for approved vendors
Notice:For the official links to Celtic Thunder Videos, please visit: The Thunder Tube

Celtic Thunder: The Show (CD)

(Ranked #1 on Billboard Top World Albums Chart - March thru September, 2008)

(Ranked # 1 on the iTunes World Music Chart - April, 2008)

(Ranked in Top Five in all album sales by Amazon last week of March, 2008)

Celtic Thunder: Act II (CD)

(Ranked #1 on Billboard Top World Albums Chart - October thru December, 2008)

Celtic Thunder: The Show (DVD)

(Ranked #6 on Tower Video Top 100 Popular Music Bestsellers in 2008)

(This site is still under construction. Additional information on Celtic Thunder DVDs and CDs are being added soon.)

Links

2012 Tour Dates and Venues
Celtic Thunder Official Website
Celtic Thunder Fan Website
Celtic Thunder Video Montage Celtic Thunder Decca Records Website

THIS SITE IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH, BUT SUPPORTS CELTIC THUNDER
Credentialed media reviewers may use phrasing herein without attribution or credit. LEGAL NOTICE: ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ON THIS PAGE ARE OWNED BY CELTIC THUNDER, LLC. Permission to use any Celtic Thunder photographs or music MUST be obtained in advance fromCELTICTHUNDER.IE This page is moderated. You are invited to suggest corrections or additions. Upon verification and approval, the moderator will post them.

shrek and Donkey football tour ireland 2007

17 Oct 2007 at 10:59am

Next page: Ford Escort Body Kit

Bookmark/Share This Page:

Football Tours Ireland News

First Hour: Presented by Rachael English and Cathal Mac Coille

9 Feb 2012 at 6:00am Rehiring of retired staff can make sense - Finance Bill uses tax measures to encourage growth and jobs - The investor who's betting on Ireland's recovery - A day of two halves in English football - Greencore news - Community Employment Schemes

Read more...

First Hour: Presented by Rachael English and Gavin Jennings

8 Feb 2012 at 6:00am Teenage girl shot dead in Tallaght - Sinn F�in comments on HSE retirements - Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland on measures to reduce alcohol misuse - Young Americans tour - latest on Syria

Read more...

Second Hour: Presented by Cathal Mac Coille and Gavin Jennings

24 Jan 2012 at 6:00am Noonan seeks better bailout deal from Draghi - another baby reportedly sick with Pseudomonas - Bill to tackle consumer debt - Man arrested for hit and run of schoolboy - will Ireland get a new technology university - Oscars preview

Read more...

First Hour: Presented by Cathal Mac Coille and Gavin Jennings

24 Jan 2012 at 6:00am Eurozone could become "a serious train wreck" - Getting a Bigger Bang for the Buck: pharmaceuticals in Ireland - still questions over Dublin bin collections - the EU, Iran and oil - Michael Noonan holds talks with ECB's Mario Draghi

Read more...

First Hour: Presented by Cathal Mac Coille and Christopher McKevitt

20 Jan 2012 at 6:00am Need for Irish referendum fading - Oil spill affects water in River Deel in Limerick ? Is time running out for a Greek debt swap? ? Inability to pay: SIPTU and IBEC debate ? big tech results

Read more...