Horslips convention coming to Donegal

Fans of Celtic rock pioneers Horslips are gearing up for the annual gathering of the Horslips fan family, Horslips Con, as it’s coming to Donegal for the first time ever.

The famous Backroom at McGrory's of Culdaff will be hosting the event on Saturday, September 30 and it promises to be a great night for Horslips fans.

After three successful sold-out shows in Belfast, organiser Rob Aiken decided to share the magic and bring the Horslips Con to Donegal for the first time.

"Culdaff has a long history with Horslips," said Rob.

"The Culdaff Arms hosted many a packed-out Horslips gig back in the 1970s, and McGrory's was the venue for several magical Horslips gigs in recent years. It was the obvious choice, and of course, it's such a great venue."

The music on the night will be provided by Ireland's only dedicated Horslips tribute band, Swords of Light.  Swords of Light launched at the last Horslips Con in Belfast and were immediately asked by Rob to play this year's event.

They have impressed band members Barry Devlin, who dubbed them "The Horslips tribute band of the future" and Jim Lockhart who after witnessing one of their gigs this year said they had left him "gobsmacked" and described their ambition, vision and work ethic as "extraordinary".

"With all the band members now retired, and one sadly left the stage altogether, this is the only way you'll get to hear Horslips music played live," said Rob.

"Swords of Light's mission is to keep the Horslips magic alive and honour the great legacy of Horslips music."

So what can the audience expect on the night?

"An opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow Horslips fans - many of whom have known each other for decades - swap stories, reminisce and have a great evening reliving their youth rocking out to some of the great Horslips tunes like 'The Man Who Built America', 'Trouble with a Capital T' and 'Dearg Doom," said Rob.

There will also be an opening set from Letterkenny Celtic punk legends The Pox Men, who are also great Horslips fans and no strangers to McGrory's, having played there twice before.

Swords of Light (l-r) Marianne Ashcroft, Mickey Feeney, Will Haag, Des McGonigle, Nigel Ashcroft. Photo: Inish Media

Swords of Light are five musicians based in Donegal and Derry, all lifelong Horslips fans, and when they heard that the band was retiring from gigs, made the decision to take up the baton and keep the Horslips music alive.

They've played a string of gigs this year from their dynamic debut at the Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey to the famous McHugh's in Drogheda where Horslips rehearsed and played many times.

"We're thrilled to be playing this year's Horslips Con right on our doorstep," said bass player Marianne Ashcroft.

"We're looking forward to recreating the atmosphere of those amazing Horslips gigs of the past and playing their incredible music. We're so pleased Rob decided to bring the Horslips Con not just to Donegal but to Inishowen and we can't wait to meet everyone again and play the music we all love.  And, we're looking for gigs for next year," she added.

Tickets for Horslips Con 2023 cost €11.50 in advance from Eventbrite, or €15 at the door if there are any available.

"We strongly recommend you get your tickets while you still can," said Rob.  "This is a night that no Horslips fan will want to miss."