Kieran McGilligan           Irish Country Band

IT’S all happening for Kieran McGilligan and his band right now……..

Not only are they cementing their reputation as one of the most consistently popular outfits on the country dancing circuit but they have just, quite literally, added a new string to their bow.

Fiddle player Louise Smyth, whose family is steeped in music, has added a fresh dimension to the band, her vitality and professionalism not only helping to enhance their stage performances but bringing extra versatility to their repertoire.

Louise, who hails from Aghagallon, Co Antrim, has been weaned on music and it’s hardly surprising that it is her all-consuming passion.

Having taken her initial steps on the classical violin, the talented Louise subsequently acquired an interest in Irish traditional music and this has now morphed into an appreciation of country music.

A busy music teacher with excellent qualifications, she has latterly been a member of the popular group Inchequin with whom she has toured extensively both in Ireland and in Europe. Now, though, the enthusiastic Louise clearly relishes the challenge of being an integral part of the Kieran McGilligan band which for the last decade has enjoyed huge success in the country dancing arena as well as enjoying considerable success in the recording sphere.

Louise says: “This was one opportunity which I was determined not to pass up on. I must say, thanks to the help and co-operation I have received from Kieran himself and the boys in his band, I have been able to blend in. It’s obvious they take a great pride in their work – the emphasis is very much on pleasing their patrons and to me that is where the real satisfaction lies in playing in the first place.”

Kieran, obviously delighted to have recruited the personable, soft-spoken Louise says: “We are always seeking ways to improve our show and when it was suggested to us that Louise might come on board, we were absolutely thrilled. She is a musicians’ musician and I cannot pay her a higher compliment than that. We are indeed fortunate to have her with us – not only is she a talented fiddler but she also brings an additional element to our vocal harmonies which is a huge bonus as we see it.”