Music with Eddie Rowley

IRISH country star Cliona Hagan has had an eventful three months, picking up a top music award and appearing on the Late Late Show when the nation was snowbound.

As the stunning young woman from Tyrone releases a new single, ‘Born to Run’, she is also preparing for a Nashville charity walk in aid of Breast Cancer Research.

The money raised will help support teams of researchers based at the Lambe Institute NUI Galway, lead by Professor Michael Kerin.

Having met Professor Kerin last year and heard about their work, Cliona offered to do what she could, and so the Nashville Walking Challenge was born.

It will be held from April 14 to April 22 and covers 50km over five ‘walk days’ in Tennessee, so it’s a leisurely stroll for those interested in taking part. There will be lots of fun and entertainment along the way.

“The first few days will be based in Severville, hometown of one of my heroes, Dolly Parton,” says Cliona, who was voted this year’s ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ at the Sunday World All-Ireland Country Music Awards.

“After taking in some walks in the stunning Smoky Mountain National Park, we’ ll visit Dollywood before heading for Nashville to explore the home of country music, taking in the famous Grand Ole Opry.”

The trip also includes a vis- it to Memphis and Graceland the home of Elvis Presley.

‘Born to Run’ is a taster for Cliona’s next album, which she is currently recording. The single is a fun track with lots of energy, just like the lady herself.

Her new video for the single is also available on iTunes.