Award-winningviolinistPatricia ToplayforanotherPresident

Award winning violinist Patricia Treacy will be the only Dundalk musician to have played for two American Presidents, when she takes to the stage for the inauguration of Joe Biden in just a few weeks time.

Patricia, who is originally from Hackballscross, is currently in the United States preparing for her role in the ceremony on January 20th.

But she took time out this week to reflect on the very first time she performed for a sitting US President, then, in her hometown.

Twenty years ago today, on December 15th 2000, she was part of a star studded line up of musicians, including Belfast singer Brian Kennedy, who entertained thousands of people lining the streets of Dundalk for the arrival of the Clinton family.

‘It was an incredible night,’ said Patricia, ‘I remember I played Danny Boy when the Clinton’s were on stage.’

She later received a photograph, signed by President Clinton, of the scene on stage on a magical night in Dundalk.

She had been approached by MCD to perform for the historic event and was delighted to take up the opportunity.

Two decades later, and Patricia speaks of her immense pride at being asked to once again perform for a President.

In that time, she has won many awards, including the string final of the RTÉ musician of the future competition and has performed in famous venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, where she made her debut as soloist in 2009, and in 2014 as a soloist with Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.

She has also played at the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Oriental Arts Centre in Shanghai and as a soloist at all major venues in Ireland.

It was an incredible night, I remember I played Danny Boy when the Clinton’s were on stage