FESTIVAL 2018 in the South East
Hall, Birmingham in 2003. Since that first appearance Jimmy’s star has continued to rise.
Cliona Hagan’s love for music started at an early age and, encouraged by her family and teachers, she studied music and had her voice trained classically. In 2009 she reached the finals of RTE’s ‘All Irealnd Talent Show’ but Country Music was where her heart lay! Hailing from Tyrone, she recently released her second album. Last year, she was named Hot Country’s Most Promising New Act and Female Vocalist of the Year at the Irish Post Awards. Cliona’s amazing talents has also brought her to the small screen hosting her very own Country Music Show ‘Keltic Country Ireland’. Numerous appearances on RTÉ, TV3, TG4 and Irish TV bringing her special brand of country music to the masses.
Strabane born Lee Matthews was a child prodigy covering pop and country songs on many Irish and UK radio and TV shows. After attempting the boyband route, and some subsequent time in the US, his love for country music was reignited. He relaunched his solo career and, in 2013, broke onto the Irish country scene. He has released two albums since then, ‘A Little Bitty Country’ and the award-winning ‘It’s a Great Day to be Alive’. Lee will be supported by The Conquerors, one of Ireland’s longest running showbands, having been on the road continuously for almost 50 years.
The event will be presented by radio personality Tony Keogh, who will broadcast his Sunday show live from the grounds.
The festival was established in 2015 by a joint committee, made up of the parish committee in Rathangan and the Kilmore Church Area committee as a fundraiser for local projects. Any funds raised are split between the two communities and pumped back into local causes.
The venue is well equipped to deal with the 4,000 plus people that the event attracts every year. There is ample parking, a picnic area, a full bar and food service, and one of the biggest dance floors at an Irish Country Music Festival. Kids will be entertained by Rathnure Pantomime Society and face-painting.
Anyone who wishes to camp after the festival is encouraged to contact the new nearby camp site, the Kilmore Quay Holiday Park.
Tickets are €25 and are available from tickets.ie or from a number of outlets listed on southeastcountrymusicfestival.com. Kids under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.