Declan O’Rourke.
GREAT songs, a unique voice and a personable stage presence have made Declan O’Rourke one of Ireland’s most sought after live performers who is performing at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny this Saturday, May 31.
Originally from Ballyfermot, O’Rourke traces his musical career back to the little Australian town of Kyabram. At the age of 13, when living in Australia with his family, O’Rourke was given his first guitar by a priest in Kyabram who recognised his potential and love for music; hence the title of his debut album Since Kyabram, which was released in October 2004.
The album’s launch took place over three sold-out nights in Whelan’s and was broadcast live on national radio. It included the song Galileo which Paul Weller singled out as the only song from the past 20 years that he wished he had written.
Many artists have covered ‘Galileo ‘ including Josh Groban for his fifth studio album, Illuminations, produced by Rick Rubin.
It has also been recorded by Eddi Reader, the Scottish folk star widely known for her No. 1 UK hit It’s Got To Be Perfect with Fairground Attraction. Jacqui Dankworth, daughter of Jazz legends Cleo Laine and Sir John Dankworth, recorded the song for her second album Back to You. Brian Kennedy, The Celtic Tenors, Paul Byrom, amongst others, have all recorded Galileo.
Support on the night comes from local rising star Karen Kelly, a young Letterkenny singer with a busy slate of bands and projects to date including The Twine, the Matthew Trainor Experience and providing vocals on dance tracks with John O’Callaghan and Full Tilt.
‘Her own tracks, though, display huge potential with Back at the Start and Let You Go full of robust, bluesy, folky panache.’ (Jim Carroll, Irish Times). Karen will be joined by Simon McCafferty, a guitarist and songwriter from Drumkeen.
Tickets available at An Grianán Theatre now on 074 912 0777 or on the door. See www.angrianan.com for further information.