Tuam’s star in the making records duet with Daniel O’Donnell

A member of the Travelling community in Tuam looks set to become a huge country music star after being discovered by Daniel O’Donnell.

And 24 year old Kathleen Keenan from Rivercrest in Tuam has already lived her dream by recording alongside Daniel in Galway’s Quay Street. Their duet will be shown on UTV Ireland in October.

It has been a hectic few weeks for Kathleen who is originally from Ennis but has been living in Tuam for the past few months. She is hoping to take up a career in country and traditional music.

She is a regular busker outside Brown Thomas in Galway city but it was when she was approached by Daniel O’Donnell it was as if all of her dreams had come through.

It all began when Kathleen and her younger brother Davy performed at Traveller Pride Week in Ballinasloe which was launched by the Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr. Pete Roche.

“They were in the middle of the floor and gave one of the most stunning performances that I have ever witnessed. It was sheer class.

“I felt that this should not go unnoticed because it was one of the best performances I have ever witnessed. Kathleen has a stunning voice and I believe that she has a music career ahead of her,” Cllr. Roche added.

The Cathaoirleach rang Keith Finnegan in Galway Bay fm to relate what he had heard. Keith was curious and decided to have Kathleen and Davy on his morning show.

Their performance went down a treat with listeners – most of all with Daniel O’Donnell who made contact with Kathleen. And together they recorded a song during a dreary, rain-soaked day in Quay Street.

Kathleen said that she took up the guitar when her 18 year old sister got married. “It was her guitar so I just learned it by myself. I really enjoy performing and hopefully something will become of the experience with Daniel,” she said.

She comes from a family of eight but it is just herself, Davy and her sister who are into music in a big way. She would like to pursue it as a career.

In front of Daniel O’Donnell and his wife Majella, they performed The Homes of Donegal and it was obvious that he was well impressed by the display.

Cllr. Pete Roche said that he was impressed by the red raw talent of Kathleen and her brother and he was convinced that she would become a major star in the not too distant future.