Longford's finest Declan Nerney inducted into the Irish Country Music Hall of Fame

It's been a long time since Declan Nerney cajoled his mother into taking him to see performances by Joe Dolan, Big Tom, and Philomena Begley. Since those heady days of Showband shows the Drumlish man has made a huge impact on the Irish music scene.

That influence was acknowledged last Friday when Declan was inducted into the ICMA Hall of Fame on the Late Late Country Music Special.

Over his six decades on the road the Longford singer-songwriter has delighted countless crowds. He has had a string of hits and is a firm fan favourite on the Country and Irish circuit.

“I wasn't expecting that to tell you the honest truth,” he told host Patrick Kielty as he was handed the Hall of Fame trophy.

That shock was still apparent on Monday when he spoke to The Leader about his award: “It was nice to get it, but it was quite a surprise,” Declan said, “To get such an award was much appreciated. It's a good auld thing to have.”

On the Late Late Show Country Music Special Declan kicked off proceedings with 'Stop The World and Let Me Off' in a performance that got the audience clapping, singing and dancing along.

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PICTURES | Longford legend Declan Nerney inducted into Irish Country Music Hall of Fame on Late Late Show Country Special

He joins an illustrious list including Hall of Fame inductees Big Tom, Daniel O'Donnell, Philomena Begley, and Margo: “It has been a great spell for me. I started out in music back in the early 70s. I have never been out of it. The band has always been on the road. The only time we had a break was when Covid hit.”

Declan's road has had ups and downs along the way: “We were there in the 80s when there was a demise of the ballroom scene. I was lucky to be with one of the greats of all time, Brian Coll. He was so popular that he always drew a crowd no matter where he went.”

Over the years Declan has worked with a huge number of musicians: “The creation of things like 'The Hooley in the Sun', running events and the development of the Marquee in Drumlish took the performance to another level. There has always been great talent, great musicians. We have done our best to create an outlet for that talent. Sometimes people have been held back by lack of opportunities. I feel that musicians are like footballers, if hey have the talent then they have to be in centre field so that talent can be seen by everyone. It is nice to see those musicians develop.” 

Among the guests on the Late Late Country Music Special was Declan's niece, The Saturdays star Una Healy, who joined him in his performance. Others included Ireland's Queen of Country Philomena Begley, and Fr Brian D'Arcy: “I've been on a fierce high since it. There is a great buzz coming back from the fans as well.”

Declan shared the secret to entertaining audiences: “I never like to leave people short changed. People come to your show to leave the cares of the world behind. It's up to me to deliver to the best of my ability. If there were 10 people, or 100 people, or 1,000 people in the hall it makes no difference, they are the most important people in the world at that moment. You have to give them the best of your attention.”

He was joined on the show by a host of Ireland's top country talent to celebrate the music that has been lighting up dance halls across the nation for many decades.

Declan was delighted with the other guests and singled out another Hall of Fame member: “Philomena is one of my idols. I have always considered her one be a powerful, great talent. She has a great way of conducting herself. She is funny, nothing is an obstacle to her. You will never hear Philomena complain about the sound, or anything because she always finds a way to give the audience what they want.”