Kilbride to star in UK concerts after 'huge' Longford tribute night

Frank Kilbride, an icon of the local and wider showband industry for the best part of 40 years was honoured recently at a full to capacity Longford Arms Hotel.

Hundreds of well wishers joined Irish soccer greats Pat Jennings and Niall Quinn as well as a whole host of country music stars to recognise the former county councillor, hotelier and businessman.

In a heartfelt thank you to all those who attended and sent messages of support in the days both leading up to and following the July 27 songfest, Frank said the enormity of empathy shown to him was only beginning to sink in.

“I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank everyone who made my recent tribute night in the Longford Arms Hotel such an entertaining and memorable occasion,” he said.

“That same degree of appreciation is for all the artistes, sports personalities and musicians, who attended and took part on the night as well as the print and broadcast media who helped so much in their coverage of the event,” the popular entertainer said.

Frank commended all who supported him: “The backroom boys and girls who so unselfishly gave of their time and energy in making it all happen and especially the enthusiastic audience for their support and appreciation.

“A special mention for all the politicians and former council colleagues and staff, who turned up on the night, to personally wish me well.”

Frank didn’t end there and, in keeping with the character of the man, issued a heartwarming message of appreciation to his ‘rock’ and wife Patricia before relaying his thanks to “my loyal and lifetime friends, who made this truly, a night to remember.”

In a further revelation and in the wake of the Longford Arms night of celebration, renowned music promoter James McGarrity has invited the more affectionately known ‘Comeback Kid’ to make two appearances at upcoming shows in the UK next month.

They will see Frank line up with the likes of Philomena Begley, Stephen Smith and Sean Cuddy at concerts on September 26 at The Grove Theatre, Dunstable, Bedfordshire and The Beck Theatre, Hayes, Middlesex the following night.

A regular contributor to local charities over the years and following a recent cancer scare, Frank said both nights will offer an ideal opportunity to give something back to all those who supported him.

“This is just the latest and my way of saying thank you to everyone who helped me get through this,” he said.

“It’s something I will never forget and will always be forever grateful to them for,” Frank concluded.