Shopping centre thronged for star Offaly band appearance

HUNDREDS of fans were queuing in Tullamore this afternoon to meet local trad pop dance idols Chasing Abbey.

The Oh My Johnny chart topping trio drew a massive throng to the Bridge Centre where they signed autographs and posed for photographs.

It was a special treat for the youngest followers of Teddy C, Ro and Bee because they got a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with their musical heroes in what was billed as an 'all ages fan experience'.

Even better, helped by influencer and broadcasting personality Sarah Jane Foster, a few even got to put a question to the hit group.

In one of the funniest moments, a youngster said: "My auntie said that her boyfriend's sister went to school with one of ye."

Ro (Ronan Bell) replied: "What's their name?"

"How long have ye been singing?" asked another kid.

Bee (Johnny Byrne) replied: "Myself and Ronan, our first gig together, I'd say, 10 years ago?"

Then Ro remarked: "Singing in the shower all our lives!"

Asked what songs they were singing in the shower, Ro confessed: "Coldplay."

Prior to their smash hit Oh My Johnny, Chasing Abbey had already released the breakthrough tracks That Good Thing and Talk To Me and were one of the biggest attractions at this year's Electric Picnic.  All three hits were belted out in the Bridge Centre as the lads wowed the crowd at the free gig.