Una is going back to her roots

Music with Eddie Rowley

WHEN Una Healy of The Saturdays next month joins a line-up of Irish country stars at The Marquee in Drumlish, Co Longford, she’ll recall happy childhood memories.

Tipperary-born Una, who is a niece and goddaughter of Irish singer Declan Nerney, spent her holidays in her uncle’s home village of Drumlish as a child.

The Thurles woman says she was always aware of the fact that Declan was a big star. “I remember going to his dances when I was young,” she says.

“And everytime Declan performed on the telly we’d be so excited and so proud of him.”

Now a major entertainer in her own right and a mentor on The Voice of Ireland TV talent show in recent years, Una credits Nerney with encouraging her ambition when she started writing songs and singing as a teenager.

“Every time I visited Declan in Longford I’d always perform my original songs for him,” she recalls.

“He warned me how tough the music business is, but he never discouraged me.”

Today, Nerney speaks with pride at the glittering career his beautiful and talented niece has carved out on the world stage. “I couldn’t be more proud of Una and what she has achieved,” he says.

“And what’s lovely about my niece is the fact that she’s still close to her Irish roots and has her feet on the ground.

“I’ve had so many memorable moments in showbusiness, and top of the list is the night I performed with Una on the Late Late Show. That was fabulous from our family’s point of view.”

Meanwhile, Declan is also looking forward to sharing the stage at the Drumlish hooley on Monday, August 22, with Big Tom.

“The first time I saw Big Tom singing in Drumlish was way back in 1968 when I was just 12 years old,” he reveals. “And Tom is still revered today.”