THE Balor, Ballybofey’s commitment to the development of local musical talent is very much in evidence this coming week as two of Donegal’s biggest recent musical success stories make very welcome returns to the stage.

Burt musician George Houston – recently returned from a US tour opening for none other than The Modfather himself, Paul Weller – headlines the Balor’s monthly live original music night The Ghostlight Sessions on Thursday August 14.

Two nights later Ballybofey blues phenomenon Muireann Bradley performs a highly anticipated hometown gig.

Now in its 9th year, the Ghostlight Sessions is one of the country’s longest running established original emerging music nights.

Each night features three 30 minute sets performed by some of Ireland’s best new musical talent. August’s Ghostlight is headlined by one of Donegal’s fastest rising musical talents, George Houston. He’s joined on the bill by Donegal bands Boy M5 and Proton Pool Party.

Singer-songwriter George Houston has been widely praised for his poetic, cinematic sound and deeply personal themes wrapped in lush harmonies and gothic folk aesthetics.

Since debuting with 2020’s Boo F–king Hoo, Houston has released four albums, toured with Paul Weller, and received acclaim from BBC Radio One, RTÉ Radio One, and played Later… with Jools Holland.

Boy M5 deliver emotive indie pop-rock blending acoustic warmth with electric energy. At the heart of the band is Kyle O’Neill, whose heartfelt lyrics and passionate vocals drive their distinctive style.

Backed by Jamie McClelland’s dynamic basslines and Nigel Hegarty’s solid, energetic drumming, Boy M5’s powerful performances channel raw emotion into compelling melodies. Recent singles include Never Be the Same—a tribute to late band member Paul Mooney—and Apocalypse, a bri beacon of hope, assuring listeners that even in the darkest times, brighter days lie ahead.

Proton Pool Party are Galway-based Donegal brothers Davy and Matthew Byrne.

Singer-songwriter Davy has written their previous two singles He Likes Flowers and its follow-up The Sand while Matthew is a former Donegal Fleadh winning trad guitarist whose previous band won the Letterkenny Busking Festival in 2022.

They are mentored by Moya Brennan and have opened for names such as Ralph McTell, The 4 of Us and Luka Bloom.

18-year-old Ballybofey blues sensation Muireann Bradley returns to The Balor for a special hometown concert on Saturday, August 16.

Muireann’s remarkable talent has captivated audiences and established her as one of Ireland’s brightest emerging stars.

Her rapid rise has seen her go from playing at The Balor’s Ghostlight Sessions in November ’23 to stealing the show on Jools Holland’s Hootenanny just eight weeks later.

The success of her debut album I Kept These Old Blues (re-released on Decca Records in February ’25) has led to invitations to play worldwide from Australia to Hawaii.

Balor manager Conor Malone said: “It’s a special week for us here at The Balor, seeing two artists of the calibre of Muireann and George return.

“They’ve both gigged here before, both at The Ghostlight Sessions in fact – George back in 2022 and Muireann in November 2023, literally weeks before her Jools Holland Hootenanny appearance when everything just exploded for her.

“We all know about Muireann’s success and George also has a recent Jools Holland appearance under his belt along with his US tour with Paul Weller. It’s really gratifying to see their careers hitting such heights and we appreciate the fact that they’ve both maintained their Balor connection and are returning for these gigs.”

The Ghostlight Sessions on Thursday starts at 8pm, admission €15.

Muireann Bradley plays The Balor on Saturday, August 16 at 8pm, admission €20.

Tickets for these and all upcoming Balor shows are available from The Balor Box Office 0749131840 or online at balorartscentre.com

Appearing at the Ghostlight Sessions this week are Boy M5 – Kyle O’Neill, Jamie McClelland and Nigel Hegarty.