Pat Shortt teams up with Stockton’s Wing frontman for new RTÉ series

Entertainer and musician Pat Shortt and Stockton’s Wing frontman Mike Hanrahan delve into some of Ireland’s most iconic songs

ENTERTAINER and musician Pat Shortt and Stockton’s Wing frontman Mike Hanrahan team up for an exhilarating musical adventure across Ireland in the new series Songs of Ireland.

The four-part series, starting on Saturday, April 27 at 9.15 pm on RTÉ One sees the pair take a musical road trip around the island of Ireland, combining the richness of Irish music, unique Irish culture, and the camaraderie of shared stories.

In each episode, Pat and Mike traverse the picturesque landscapes of Ireland, uncovering the history and significance behind some of the nation's most beloved songs.

Joining forces with both new and established local musicians in each county, Pat and Mike put their own twist on these prolific Irish songs, through unique performances in local venues across the country.

Speaking about the series, Pat Shortt said: “'Songs of Ireland' isn't just about the melodies; it's about the stories behind them, the places they come from, and the people who keep them alive. Embarking on this series with my old friend Mike has been an incredible experience, and we look forward to sharing our journey with audiences across the country”.

The series starts with a visit to Limerick, where Pat and Mike join forces with rapper Willzee for a rendition of The Limerick Rake.

As a young man Willzee was angry at the world, coming from a traveller community, growing up in the streets of Limerick and facing adversity, struggle and hardship as well as facing criminal aspects of life.

In recent years he found rap, spoken word and film and has immersed himself in music as a true expression of himself.

His latest single ‘Nick Nack’, reflects the life that the songwriter has managed to escape, by channelling his talents in a positive direction, while his debut album ‘Kuti Gris’ was released this year to huge acclaim.

Other highlights include a moving performance of Raglan Road with Asha Ari in Dublin, a rendition of Eileen Óg with Dervish’s Cathy Jordan in Roscommon, and an adaptation of The Reason I Left Mullingar with the band Cronin. The series culminates in the beautiful green glens of Co Donegal where Eve Belle joins Pat and Mike to perform Gleanntáin Ghlas Ghaoth Dobhair.

Tune into Songs of Ireland on Saturday, April 27th at 9.15 pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.