Kilcormac's Kimberley to perform with George Murphy this Friday
Offaly musician Kimberley Delaney will take to the stage to perform with folk star George Murphy and his band, The Rising Sons, at their concert in Hugh Lynch's, Tullamore, this Friday night (April 22).
The talented 17-year-old from Kilcormac hit the headlines in March when it was announced she was a finalist in the prestigious 'Fiddler of London' competition, an event supported by both the government of Ireland and the mayor of London.
While Kimberley didn't land the title, the experience alone is something that will stand to her as her life in music continues to flourish.
And what better way to continue to grow in that regard, than by joining on stage a man who also stepped into the limelight at a young age, the incredible George Murphy.
Anyone who doubts, or may be unaware of Murphy's place in Irish music, need only be reminded of the esteem in which the Dubliner is held by names known to all, far and wide. Phil Coulter once remarked that George was "the most exciting vocal find in Ireland."
George was held in equally high regard by the late Ronnie Drew who called him, "a voice beyond his years," with Peggy Seeger noting his "very honest approach to the songs," and how he has always "kept them true to their origin."
After a spell as a member of The High Kings, George returned to a solo career before forming his new band, The Rising Sons, and eventually teaming up with Pat Egan to take the 'Sons' on the road.
Kimberley, a sixth-year student at Colaiste Naomh Cormac, is a multi-instrumentalist, as happy on the banjo, the button-accordion, the piano or the tin-whistle as she is on her beloved fiddle, an instrument that she first started learning at the age of five.
Kimberley is also a member of Ballyboy Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann (CCE), and teaches fiddle in Rahan CCE.
* George Murphy and his band The Rising Sons play Hugh Lynch's in Tullamore this Friday, April 22. For ticket info and further details, check out ticketmaster.ie