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track with Boy George. So at the moment like I said, it’s all about doing things that I like and enjoy, I’m really enjoying the freedom,” he added.
With doing things for his enjoyment surely comes great experiences and, of course, talk quickly turns to some of the more prestigious events that Liam has been honoured to play at over the years - including six half-time shows at Croke Park at the All-Ireland Finals.
“Playing the half-time show at Croke Park and walking out into that arena to play is simply amazing. Now, of course, it’s daunting with something like 80,000 eyes on you. We got about eight to 10 minutes out there and while you’re playing mostly to the Hogan Stand, it’s simply a wonderful place to play. As I always say, where else would you rather be on All-Ireland day than in the centre of the pitch in Croke Park!” he laughed.
“I was up at the K Club a few days ago as well and it was very nice to be able to say to some of the people there that I actually played and performed there. That was definitely a proud moment.”
“Being asked to play The Late, Late Show as well over the years was a huge honour. It’s such a huge thing in our society, so for me to be able to play for all three hosts in Gay Byrne, Pat Kenny and Ryan Tubridy is amazing. I’ll have to keep the record going now.” he added with a smile.
When it comes to his own “creative household”, it seems that the apple has not fallen far from the tree, with his children Saoirse and Oisín joining him on stage in recent years, something which he says he is incredibly proud of.
“I brought them into the line-up with me because I wanted them to enjoy playing their music. They were doing their music grades but they wanted to do more. If you get into playing with people though, it’s a whole different experience. It’s a great feeling to be able to play and experience music with them.
“Saoirse is piano and concertina and vocals, Oisín is lead guitar, acoustic guitar and drums and the small guy does a small bit of percussion and break dancing. I want to let them do their own thing and make sure that they enjoy what they’re playing,” he added.
Introducing the next generation to music is high on the list of Liam’s priorities, evidenced by his role as music tutor to the children of St Brendan’s College in Killarney.
“I go in and I help to coach the kids there, along with the help of the music teacher there. We’ve four years done there now and we’ve managed to bring on the level of music there to an incredibly high level,” he said.
“We work with the choir and the musicians throughout the year and we then have different speakers come in along with audiences to see them perform. That’ll be running again in the next year so that’s something to look forward to again.”
On his upcoming show in Killarney, Liam said that audiences will have a great night in store if they do decide to come along.
“It’s high energy, but the energy in this show in The Friary on October 1 will be a little different because we’re very lucky to be joined by Moya Brennan who will be with us on the night. She’s the voice of Clannad so we’re delighted to have her with us.
“She’ll be doing her thing, I’ll be doing mine and, for sure, we’re going to be collaborating on different things on the night as well and we’ll have a very big band playing with us. It’ll be a great night for everyone to enjoy.”
1. TRALEE SET FOR MOUTH WATERING WEEKEND
IT’S set to be another great few days in Tralee this weekend as the Tralee Food Festival gets underway for the third year running.
This celebration, which runs from Friday September 22 to Sunday September 24, will showcase the town as a true gormet paradise over the three days.
The festival will include an Artisan Food Market on the Saturday in the Square, cooking demomstrations, a taste trail, a craft beer trail and much more over the weekend.
2. READY TO TEST YOUR ENDURANCE?
WITH just over two days to go until the start of the inaugural Listowel Endurance Festival, there is still time to come down and show your support for what is set to be a unique event in North Kerry.
Taking place from Friday September 22 to Saturday September 23, this event will see runners taking part in either a 24hr run, a 12 hour run, a six hour run or a three hour run - all to raise funds for the Kerry Crusaiders running group.
Tops and medals will be provided to participants with registration and further details available through the ‘Listowel Endurance Festival’ Facebook page.
3. CLIMB DÓNAL’S MOUNTAIN
MEMBERS of the public are invited to join the late Donal Walsh’s mother Elma and friends as they get set to climb Mt Brandon on the morning of Sunday September 24.
The free walk will be starting at 11am from the An Bóthar side with registration for the walk set to take place from 9am.
There will be light refreshments available after the walk with more information and sponsorship cards available by contacting 0877143016 or 0860773516.
4. BEAUFORT SET TO THRESH CANCER
ONE of the biggest events taking place in South Kerry this weekend is undoubtedly the ‘Beaufort Threshing Cancer’ festival.
Taking place on Sunday September 24 on the Brendan Ferris Farm, Gortnascarry in Beaufort, the event will kick off from 12noon. Activities on the day will include bouncing castles, magic shows, 100 year old sawmill, raffles, dog shows and blacksmithing.
Adults will cost €5 on the day with children set to go free - all money raised from the event will go towards Recovery Haven in Tralee, the Oncology Unit in UHK and St Joseph’s Hospice Unit in Tralee.
5. ACT UP DRAMA CLASSES IN TRALEE
IF you’ve ever thought about taking up acting, then the new acting classes taking place every Monday night in the Abbey Inn bar in Tralee might be worth checking out.
A n acting class for adults, the basics of acting, including vocal exercises, improvisation, stage prescence, monologues and stage and screen work, will be practised every week.
The class runs from 8pm until 9pm every Monday night and will cost €5 per class.
6. WARRIORS GET SEASON UNDERWAY
THE ‘Garveys Tralee Warriors’ basketball team get their home season underway this weekend when they take on the ‘Kubs’ in the Tralee Sports and Leisure Complex on the night of Saturday September 23.
The match is set to kick off at 8pm on the night with tickets set to cost between €5 and €10.
7. KERRY EXPLORES ITS CULTURE
THERE will be a huge buzz all over Kerry this weekend as areas and venues all over the county get set to celebrate Culture Night on Friday September 22.
From poetry readings to live music to art exhibitions, there will be something for everyone to enjoy on the night.
A full catalogue of what is to be seen and done on the night is available at www.culturenight.ie.
8. JAKE CARTER TO ENTERTAIN INEC
JAKE Carter, the younger brother superstar Nathan, is to entertain the crowds in the INEC this coming Saturday September 23.
Tickets are set to cost €17.35 on the night - doors will open at 8pm with the show itself starting at 9pm.
9. GET EXERCISING THIS WEEKEND
SEPTEMBER is here so why not try to head down to take part in one of the many parkruns taking place around Kerry at the weekends?
There are four parkruns in Kerry: Tralee, Killarney, Listowel and the Tralee Junior parkrun.
These completely free 5km events are run every weekend by volunteers and they have been proven to be extremely popular in improving both physical and mental health.
The Tralee. Listowel and Killarney parkruns are held every Saturday morning from 9:30am onwards while the Tralee Junior parkrun takes place on Sunday at 9:30am - these 2km events are aged for children from 4-14 years old.
Those looking to take part in the run for the first time can register at parkrun.ie where they can also print their necessary barcode.
It’s not about the money for me. It’s a passion, it’s something that I love and something I’m very happy to be doing. Playing music I want to play, enjoying the craft with people that I want to be playing with – that’s what it’s all about for me right now.
10. ‘YOUNG OFFENDERS TO SCREEN IN INEC
THE INEC will show a free screening of the ‘Young Offenders’ in the INEC on Friday night at 8pm.